In a tragic turn of events, a devastating fire ripped through a crowded nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killing at least 59 people and injuring more than 150. The horrifying incident took place at the Pulse club around 3 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) on Sunday during a live concert by the band DNK. According to Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski, pyrotechnics set off inside the venue triggered the blaze, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Videos circulating on social media show the use of “stage fountains” – a type of indoor firework often used during performances. Witnesses report that as soon as these fireworks were ignited, sparks quickly caught the nightclub’s ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. Within moments, the fire spread uncontrollably, engulfing the entire venue and generating thick clouds of smoke. Panicked clubgoers scrambled for the exits, but many were trapped inside the inferno.
Heartbreaking footage shows the building completely engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky. The fire’s rapid spread made it nearly impossible for many to escape, and emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the disaster. Authorities have since issued arrest warrants for four individuals in connection with the fire, as investigations into the tragedy continue.
The impact of this disaster has sent shockwaves not just through Kocani but across North Macedonia. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sorrow, calling it a “difficult and very sad day for Macedonia.” He emphasized that the loss of so many young lives is an irreparable tragedy, and the pain felt by families and friends is beyond measure. Mickoski also urged all competent authorities, including health services and emergency responders, to take immediate action to support the injured and assist affected families.
Adding to the heartbreak, reports indicate that a significant number of the victims were young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Many were initially treated at Kocani General Hospital before being transferred to the Skopje City Hospital due to severe burns and critical injuries. Kristina Serafimova, the director of Kocani General Hospital, confirmed that some victims remain unidentified as they were not carrying identification documents at the time of the incident. “Until the identification process is completed, we cannot confirm the exact number of fatalities,” she stated.
For the small town of Kocani, this tragedy is unimaginable. “This is a huge loss for our town and for the entire country,” said Al Jazeera’s Maja Blajevska, reporting from the scene. She described the distressing sight of parents frantically searching for their missing children, hoping for any sign of their loved ones.
In response to the tragedy, North Macedonia’s government is expected to declare a seven-day mourning period. Additionally, authorities are planning emergency inspections of all nightclubs and restaurant venues that host parties to prevent similar disasters in the future. The need for stricter safety regulations has become painfully clear, as the Pulse club fire has exposed glaring lapses in fire safety standards.
Condolences and offers of assistance have poured in from across Europe. Neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Albania, have expressed their solidarity and willingness to provide medical aid to the injured. Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, shared his grief, stating, “Heartbroken by the loss of so many young people in the terrible fire in Kocani. My thoughts go out to all the families of the victims of this tragedy.”
Pope Francis also extended his prayers to the victims and their families. In a message to the bishop of Skopje, Kiro Stojanov, the Vatican conveyed the Pope’s deep condolences and spiritual closeness to those affected. The overwhelming response from the international community underscores the magnitude of the loss and the shared grief over this horrific event.
Authorities in North Macedonia are determined to uncover the cause of this disaster and hold those responsible accountable. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has deployed emergency services and prosecutors to the site, emphasizing that all available resources will be mobilized to ensure justice for the victims. The prosecution office confirmed in a statement, “The number of victims and injured is still being determined. All resources and capacities of the prosecution offices will be mobilized to support the Kocani prosecution in its urgent response.”
This tragic nightclub fire serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of strict fire safety regulations in public venues. As families mourn their lost loved ones and survivors recover from their injuries, the focus now shifts to preventing such heartbreaking incidents from happening again. For North Macedonia, this is not just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call.
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