Authorities in North Macedonia have arrested 15 individuals following a devastating fire at an unauthorized nightclub in Kocani, which claimed at least 59 lives and injured over 150 people. The tragic incident occurred early Sunday during a concert by DNK, a well-known hip-hop duo, at the Pulse club, where around 500 attendees were present.
Pyrotechnics Spark Deadly Blaze
The fire broke out at approximately 2:30 am local time (01:30 GMT) when stage pyrotechnics ignited the club’s highly flammable ceiling material, causing flames to spread rapidly. Police confirmed that only one member of DNK survived and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Read more: Death Toll Climbs to 76 in Turkey Ski Resort Hotel Fire
Illegal Operations and Safety Failures
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski revealed that the nightclub was functioning without a valid license, and authorities suspect corruption and bribery in its approval process. Local reports indicate that the venue was originally a carpet warehouse and lacked essential safety measures. Investigators discovered multiple violations, including the absence of a fire suppression system and inadequate emergency exits.
Mayor Danela Arsovska stated that only one exit was usable, as the rear door was locked, worsening the chaos as people struggled to flee. Footage verified by the BBC shows the moment pyrotechnics triggered the fire, with some attendees initially attempting to put out the flames instead of evacuating, which may have led to a higher casualty count.
Survivors Describe Horror
Marija Taseva, a 20-year-old survivor, recounted the harrowing experience. “There was a stampede as everyone rushed to escape. I was knocked down and trampled before managing to get out,” she told Reuters.
Her 25-year-old sister, who had been missing, was later confirmed among the deceased. “I survived, but she didn’t,” she said in grief.
According to Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov, most victims were young, with more than 20 injured and three of the deceased being minors. “The situation is catastrophic—so many young lives lost. The stories from survivors are heartbreaking,” he added.
At the University Clinic for Surgical Diseases in Skopje, Dr. Vladislav Gruev reported that many victims suffered severe burns, with 18 patients remaining in critical condition.
National Mourning and International Condolences
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski declared a seven-day national mourning period, calling it “an incredibly tragic day” for the nation. The government has launched an urgent investigation into the disaster.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Your immense pain is mine too,” and stressed the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Several critically injured victims have been transported to hospitals in Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey for advanced medical care.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed her sympathies, stating that the European Union “stands in solidarity with North Macedonia during this difficult time.” Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić described the incident as “an unimaginable tragedy” and warned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of injuries.
