At least 59 people have lost their lives and more than 155 are injured after a devastating fire broke out at a nightclub in North Macedonia. The tragedy occurred early in the morning at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town located about 100 kilometers east of the capital, Skopje. The club was hosting a concert for DNK, a well-known hip-hop duo in the region, when the fire started around 2:30 AM local time.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a "difficult and very sad day" for the nation, particularly for the many young lives lost. The club, described in local media as an "improvised nightclub," reportedly operated without a legal license. This has raised concerns about safety regulations and oversight in the venue.
Authorities have blocked access to the site as investigations continue. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski revealed that the fire was likely ignited by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that struck the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable materials. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as the flames spread rapidly. Some concertgoers attempted to extinguish the fire while others were caught in a rush to exit, leading to panic and injuries.
Reports indicate that there was only one entry and exit point in the nightclub, which contributed to the chaos as people scrambled for safety. Many of those affected were young, with over 20 of the injured and three of the deceased being under 18. The situation was described as brutal and chaotic by a Red Cross volunteer, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are looking into possible corruption and bribery linked to the club’s operations. The government has declared seven days of national mourning, and an emergency session is being held to address the incident and prevent future tragedies.
European leaders have sent their condolences, with European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen offering support to the people of North Macedonia during this difficult time. The neighboring Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also expressed his sorrow, calling the event a "tragedy of immense magnitude."
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in public venues and the need for strict adherence to regulations to protect lives.