A tragic fire at an improvised venue in Kocani has left the community in mourning and searching for answers. The blaze, which broke out recently, has claimed the lives of several young people and injured over 160 others. Among the injured, 45 are in critical condition and have been transported to hospitals in neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey, for specialized care.
Kocani, a small town located about 100 kilometers east of Skopje, has been shaken by this disaster. Local residents believe that corruption may have played a role in allowing the venue to operate without proper safety measures. This has led to widespread anger and frustration within the community.
Relatives of those still missing have been gathering outside a hospital, waiting to provide DNA samples to aid in identification efforts. The pain of uncertainty hangs heavy in the air as families hope for news of their loved ones.
In the aftermath of the fire, a protest rally drew many residents. Among them was the uncle of a 19-year-old victim who expressed his grief and anger, stating, "those scenes should never be repeated." He recalled the horrors of war, saying that the loss of so many young lives felt worse. The crowd stood in silence before chanting “we are asking for justice!” as they demanded accountability for the tragedy.
Mourners gathered in the town’s central square, lighting candles and sharing messages of condolence. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as people hugged and cried together. In a display of frustration, a group of teenagers targeted a bar they believed was owned by the club’s proprietor, smashing windows and causing damage.
The community of Kocani is grappling with this devastating event, seeking justice and answers as they remember those who lost their lives in the fire.