In the wake of a tragic fire at a live concert in the eastern town of Kocani, North Macedonian officials have decided to close numerous nightclubs and entertainment venues as a precautionary measure. This disastrous event, claiming the lives of 59 individuals, has led to intense scrutiny of the country’s safety regulations.
During inspections across several cities, it was found that out of 50 venues, only 22 held valid operational licenses. Marija Miteva, a spokesperson for the government, announced that establishments with either expired licenses or lacking them altogether have had their activities halted by the state market inspectorate.
The fire, which occurred during a live pop concert where pyrotechnics were being used, exposed significant safety lapses and licensing infractions at the site. In the wake of this catastrophe, 16 individuals are currently held for questioning, following police interviews with over 70 people.
In response to the tragedy, North Macedonia is observing a week of national mourning. The incident has caused significant distress in this Balkan nation of two million, prompting public protests and vigil gatherings throughout cities.
Funeral services for the primarily young victims are set for Thursday in Kocani. Autopsies and formal identifications of the deceased have already been carried out. Meanwhile, commemorative ceremonies are planned to take place at various locations across the nation.
Metropolitan Bishop Ilarion of Bregalnica, encompassing the Kocani region, delivered a message urging calm and unity. “Let us be calm, let us be gentle, let us be peaceful, patient. Let our prayers and our thoughts be directed towards our deceased, but also towards our injured for their health and recovery,” he urged.
Among the 150 injured, a significant number are receiving treatment in various European hospitals, primarily for severe burns, with support from countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Greece, aided by European Union resources.
The head of the crisis management agency, Stojance Angelov, stated that the country’s Orthodox Church is managing the funeral arrangements. Emphasizing the collective grief felt by the nation, he said, “No words can truly capture the depth of this tragedy or express the overwhelming sadness I feel. Broken by grief, I cannot find anything strong enough to convey my condolences to the families who lost their beloved sons and daughters.”
