Kocani, North Macedonia — In an unimaginable tragedy, North Macedonia is coming to terms with a devastating nightclub fire that claimed the lives of many young individuals, sparking national outcry and demands for accountability. Early on Sunday, flames engulfed the packed Club Pulse in the eastern town of Kocani, resulting in 59 fatalities and leaving 155 others injured due to burns, smoke inhalation, and the chaotic rush to the narrow escape route.
The investigation into the inferno continues, but witnesses noted that pyrotechnics on stage reportedly set the club’s ceiling alight during a live performance. Among the deceased were youths as young as 16, leading to a national period of mourning lasting seven days.
President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska addressed the nation, expressing her sorrow and determination for justice. “This horrific event in Kocani feels surreal. As a mother and the nation’s leader, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims,” she stated. “Those at fault must face justice and punishment. We must protect our citizens.” The disaster, which struck a tightly-knit society of two million, echoes previous nightclub tragedies worldwide.
Parallel to the grieving process, officials are delving into accusations of corruption linked to the nightclub, which was reportedly overcrowded beyond its legal capacity. Consequently, authorities announced a comprehensive three-day inspection of nightclubs and cabarets starting on Monday to avert further incidents.
The small town of Kocani, populated by around 25,000 residents, became a scene of sorrow as rescue crews worked to recover bodies from the charred venue, whose roof had partially collapsed under the intense heat. Hopeful to hear news about loved ones, concerned parents gathered at hospitals both in Kocani and the capital city, Skopje.
Outside one hospital, grieving parent Dragi Stojanov faced the unimaginable loss of his 21-year-old son, Tomce. Visibly anguished, he told reporters, “My son’s loss is unbearable. Countless families have been shattered, with their children gone too soon,” expressing anger at the systemic corruption failing young lives.
Involving international aid, neighboring countries like Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey are accommodating critically wounded patients, while North Macedonia seeks further medical support.
Health Minister Arben Taravari assured the public, “Transferees abroad are stable, and international medical teams are rendering aid. We are anticipating positive updates.”
Testimonies from survivors, like 19-year-old Marija Taseva, paint a grim picture of the tragedy, recounting their desperate attempts to escape only to confront blocked paths. This account underlines the severe safety breaches within the establishment.
Preliminary inspections revealed glaring safety oversights, including the lack of emergency exits and fire extinguishers, along with restricted emergency access. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski disclosed that authorities have detained 15 personnel for questioning and highlighted the club’s operational deficiencies.
Allegations of corruption have surfaced in the wake of the incident, leading to widespread condemnation from international leaders, including expressions of solidarity from Pope Francis’s office.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski addressed the nation in a heartfelt broadcast, “Today marks the most challenging moment of my life,” openly lamenting the tragic loss while pledging a thorough investigation.
Kocani’s community responded by uniting in solemn candlelight vigils to honor the victims, enduring lengthy waits to light candles at local churches.
Beti Delovska, a Skopje-based economist, mourned the unprecedented loss, stressing that already many of North Macedonia’s promising youths have left the country because of its failing institutions and systemic issues, asserting, “Our nation is at a critical crossroads, with deteriorating structures across health, education, and justice systems. We must seek divine intervention for our homeland’s future.”
