Survivors and families are left grappling with grief after the deadliest nightclub fire in North Macedonia's history, which has resulted in at least 59 fatalities and left many others injured.
Tragedy Unfolds in North Macedonia as Nightclub Fire Claims Lives
Tragedy Unfolds in North Macedonia as Nightclub Fire Claims Lives
A nightlife entertainment venue in Kocani becomes a site of tragedy as a fire during a performance leads to significant loss of life.
On a night of music and celebration, disaster struck at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, resulting in a catastrophe that has left the nation in mourning. Marija Taseva, 19, was enjoying the performance of DNK, a popular local hip-hop duo, with her sister when the fire erupted around 02:30 local time on Sunday. Sparks from pyrotechnic devices ignited the club’s flammable ceiling, leading to chaos.
"When the fire broke out, everyone started screaming, 'get out, get out!'" Taseva recounted. The only exit available for the crowd of approximately 500 patrons was overwhelmed as people rushed to escape the flames. Tragically, Taseva was able to flee but lost her sister in the process, capturing the intense heartbreak that many families are now facing.
In response to the tragedy, 10 individuals—including officials thought to be linked with the club's licensing—have been detained. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski revealed that the venue was operating without legal permits and had previously functioned as a carpet warehouse.
Reports indicate that many of the deceased, primarily young individuals, succumbed to injuries from a stampede as they attempted to flee the flames. The head of a local hospital reported that approximately 70 survivors suffered from burns and carbon monoxide poisoning, with serious injuries noted by healthcare professionals.
Government inspections found significant safety issues within the nightclub, including failures in fire-exit mechanisms and emergency lighting. Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov highlighted the brutal reality many families are enduring as they search for their loved ones.
With a declaration of seven days of national mourning, North Macedonia's President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “None of the responsible this time should avoid the law, justice, and punishment too."
As the government holds an emergency session to address the incident, the heartbreaking reality resonates throughout the country as communities mourn the tragic loss of so many young lives. Medical attention for the gravely injured is also being sought at specialized clinics abroad, underscoring the severity of this incident and its impact on countless families.
