Thousands took to the streets of Kocani, North Macedonia, in a powerful demonstration following a devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub that claimed the lives of 59 individuals, many of whom were teenagers. The incident occurred when sparks from flares ignited the ceiling of the packed venue, which was hosting a performance by the popular hip-hop group DNK.
The anguish was palpable as protesters chanted for justice, while families and friends of the victims mourned their loss and raised concerns about the corrupt practices believed to have contributed to the nightclub’s unsafe conditions. “Nobody should die like that – nobody,” said a grieving teenager during the demonstrations.
In the wake of the fire, which injured over 160 people and left many with severe burns, authorities detained around 20 individuals for questioning, including the nightclub owner and former government officials. Various reports indicate that the Pulse nightclub operated without proper safety protocols, raising suspicions of bribery and negligence.
Many attendees at the protest expressed outrage at the lack of safety measures, revealing that the club's license was obtained improperly and that vital emergency exits were locked at the time of the incident. State prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski highlighted that the venue had only two fire extinguishers and lacked a fire alarm or sprinkler system.
The grief-stricken community has collectively called for further gatherings across the nation to advocate for justice and remembrance of the young lives lost. As Kocani comes to grips with the tragedy, a deep sense of sorrow and a cry for accountability echo through the town, reminiscent of a darker chapter in the country’s history.
