In brief
A tragic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in at least 59 fatalities and numerous injuries. Survivors share harrowing accounts of the chaos and confusion during the fire, which was exacerbated by inadequate exit routes. Authorities are investigating potential corruption linked to the incident, leading to multiple arrests, including of venue owners and former officials.
A devastating incident unfolded in Kocani, North Macedonia, on Saturday night when a fire at the Pulse nightclub erupted, claiming at least 59 lives and injuring over 155 others. The disaster struck during a performance by the famous hip-hop act DNK when sparks from pyrotechnics ignited the ceiling, prompting panic as attendees scrambled for safety.Marija Taseva, 19, was present at the venue with her sister when the fire started. Relaying her experience, she described a scene of chaos, with patrons screaming to evacuate as they rushed toward the only exit available—one that was inadequately equipped for the crowd of around 500 people. Taseva ultimately survived but expressed profound grief over the loss of her sister. "My sister died. I was saved and she wasn't," she lamented.In the aftermath of the disaster, North Macedonia's Interior Minister, Pance Toskovski, announced that 15 individuals have been detained, including the nightclub owner and several former government officials, amid allegations of bribery and corruption. Toskovski emphasized the need for accountability, vowing that there would be "no mercy," irrespective of political ties.The nightclub has been characterized by the local press as an "improvised venue" lacking a legal operating license, having previously functioned as a carpet warehouse. Toskovski noted that several issues—including deficiencies in fire safety measures—were identified during inspections, raising serious questions about the venue's compliance with safety regulations.Most victims fell prey to the ensuing stampede as they attempted to escape, while many others suffered severe burns and inhalation injuries. Local hospitals reported treating patients with significant second and third-degree burns, particularly on critical areas such as the head and upper body.Tragic stories of loss have emerged from family members, with one father, Dragi Stojanov, expressing his anguish after losing his only child in the tragedy. "Let me tell you in front of everybody. Film me..." he said, his grief palpable. "I had one child and I lost him."In response to the calamity, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has called for strict accountability, emphasizing that those responsible must face justice. The government has declared a week of national mourning, reflecting the profound sorrow felt across the country. The investigation into the incident continues, with many seriously injured individuals transferred to specialized hospitals in neighboring countries for advanced care.
