KOCANI, North Macedonia — North Macedonia is grappling with a devastating tragedy after a fierce fire engulfed a nightclub in Kocani, leading to the tragic deaths of 59 individuals and injuring 155 more. Efforts are underway to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent such incidents from recurring. The blaze erupted in the early hours of Sunday at Club Pulse, an overcrowded venue in the eastern town of Kocani.
The fire, which resulted in severe fatalities and injuries, was reportedly sparked by pyrotechnics onstage during a live band performance. The tragedy has jolted the nation, causing authorities to launch a detailed investigation into the true cause of the fire. President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska expressed deep shock and sadness in her national address, emphasizing the need for justice and urging that no responsible party should escape consequences. The country has declared seven days of mourning in remembrance of the young lives lost.
In the aftermath, accusations of bribery have surfaced, suggesting corruption led to the nightclub being overcrowded beyond its legal capacity. The North Macedonian government has responded by ordering a comprehensive inspection of all nightclubs and cabarets countrywide over three days, which commenced on Monday. The fire has left a lasting impact on the town of Kocani, home to 25,000 people, as rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover the remains of the club’s patrons.
The building suffered substantial damage, with the collapse of the roof exposing charred beams and significant debris. Families anxiously gathered outside hospitals in Kocani and the capital, Skopje, clamoring for updates on the injured. Among the victims was 21-year-old Tomce, whose father, Dragi Stojanov, expressed utter despair over the loss.
Flags across North Macedonia have been lowered to half-staff, and the situation remains critical, with 20 of the injured in severe condition. Neighboring countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey, have opened their hospitals to those most severely injured, while discussions with other nations for potential transfers continue. Health Minister Arben Taravari assured that those transferred abroad are in stable conditions and acknowledged the international support in providing medical aid.
It has come to light that the nightclub was rife with safety violations, including insufficient emergency exits, inadequate fire extinguishers, and restricted access for emergency services. A preliminary probe has led to the detention of 15 individuals in connection with licensing breaches, as Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski revealed that the venue held twice its authorized capacity of 250 people.
Widespread condolences have flowed in from European leaders and from even the hospitalized Pope Francis’s office. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski appeared visibly affected, addressing the nation with a heavy heart and underscoring the personal and national grief felt by such a disaster.
The residents of Kocani demonstrated solidarity by organizing a candlelight vigil in support of affected families, highlighting the unifying nature of community spirit in times of tragedy. Economic hardships coupled with systemic shortcomings have left citizens like Beti Delovska reflecting on the future of North Macedonia, expressing a sense of hopelessness amidst political and institutional failures.
The country faces significant challenges in rebuilding trust and morale, and this tragedy may serve as a critical juncture for significant reform in governance and safety measures, as the nation’s leaders and people seek healing and solutions.
