In the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, a devastating tragedy has unfolded that has shocked the nation and beyond. A catastrophic fire erupted at the Pulse nightclub, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 people and injuring 155 others. This heartbreaking incident occurred during what should have been an enjoyable concert experience, turning instead into one of the country’s worst disasters in recent memory. The scale of the tragedy has prompted a nationwide period of mourning as authorities investigate the circumstances that led to this horrific event.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT) on Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, approximately 100km east of the capital, Skopje. Around 500 people had gathered for a concert by DNK, a popular hip-hop duo in the country. According to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, initial reports indicate the fire was started by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. Video footage shows the band playing when two flares go off, after which sparks ignite the ceiling and spread rapidly through the venue.
Venue Safety Concerns
- The venue, described as an “improvised nightclub” in local press, was formerly a carpet warehouse and did not have a legal license to operate.
- There was only “one efficient exit” in the building, as the venue’s back door was locked and could not be used, according to prosecutor’s office spokesperson Biljana Arsovska.
- Initial inspections revealed “deficiencies in the system for fire-extinguishing and the system for lightning.”
Response from Authorities
Police have detained 15 people in connection with the fire as the investigation continues. Interior Minister Toskovski stated there are “grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption” linked to the incident. The government has declared seven days of national mourning and is holding emergency sessions as part of ongoing investigations. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a “difficult and very sad day” for the country, which had lost many “young lives.” President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova expressed her shock and emphasized that “no business or activity can function without standards and rules.”
The most seriously injured victims are being transferred to specialist clinics in neighboring countries including Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey, as medical professionals work tirelessly to treat the survivors of this devastating tragedy.