In the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, a recent nightclub fire has left the country in deep mourning. As families gathered at the hospital for any updates, Tomco Stojanov already realized his tragic loss: his son Andrej, just 25 years old, had perished in the blaze while heroically attempting to save others. The fire, which occurred in Club Pulse, claimed the lives of many young individuals and injured over 150 people. Stojanov, deeply grieving, stated, “Thank you for your condolences, but my pain is incurable.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout North Macedonia, prompting the authorities to seek accountability and prevent similar future catastrophes. The incident’s backdrop is a murky case of alleged corruption, as investigations are underway into potential bribery scandals involving the nightclub’s operations. Kocani’s mayor resigned amidst the scandal, and community protests have caught national attention, with thousands joining silent demonstrations against pervasive corruption.
The fire broke out during a live concert and was exacerbated by the pyrotechnics that ignited the club’s ceiling. As a result, 59 people lost their lives in a panicked attempt to escape through the building’s single exit. It’s been rumored that bribes to bypass safety regulations are widespread in North Macedonia, a worrying trend that Western governments and the European Union have scrutinized closely as a hindrance to the country’s EU membership ambitions.
The nation has witnessed widespread protests, not just in Kocani but also in the capital, Skopje, where university students are voicing their calls for justice. During these protests, rising emotions led to the vandalism of properties related to the club’s ownership. The government has responded by declaring seven days of mourning and ordering a thorough inspection of nightclubs nationwide to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The disaster has prompted an inspection of Club Pulse, revealing numerous safety code violations. These include insufficient emergency exits, inadequate fire extinguishers, and obstructed emergency vehicle access. State prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski emphasized this systemic failure in enforcing safety standards, which allowed the club to function outside legal limits. Allegations are that bribes enabled the club to operate with a forged license and overcapacity.
Meanwhile, intense scenes unfolded in Kocani, a town of 25,000, where rescuers continue the solemn duty of identifying bodies from the night’s events. Ten individuals are in police custody, while former officials, including a former economy minister, face questions about their involvement.
International sympathy floods North Macedonia, with condolences from European leaders and a message from the Vatican’s Pope Francis. Neighboring countries like Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey have stepped up to provide medical assistance and care for severely injured patients.
Throughout the nation, flags are at half-staff. Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that the death toll might rise, given the condition of the critically injured. With a history of emigration in pursuit of better opportunities, the current events have only intensified the sense of systemic failure expressed succinctly by economist Beti Delovska: “We have no more credible institutions.”
The nation stands united in grief, holding candlelight vigils and lighting church candles to honor the lost lives. North Macedonia is grappling with a tragic event that underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability.