In brief
In the wake of a tragic nightclub fire that claimed at least 59 lives and injured over 150, North Macedonian authorities are detaining officials and examining the illegal permits that allowed the venue to operate unsafely.
As grieving families gathered in hospitals anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones, officials in North Macedonia launched an investigation following a catastrophic fire that left at least 59 people dead and over 150 injured over the weekend. The inferno erupted at Club Pulse during a concert early Sunday, reportedly ignited by fireworks that engulfed the building's roof.Authorities revealed that the nightclub was operating under an improperly issued hospitality license, despite being registered as an industrial facility, sparking outrage and demands for accountability. Public prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski confirmed that the venue’s authorization came from the economy ministry, emphasizing the lack of essential escape routes in case of emergencies.In light of the allegations, police have summoned former economy minister Kreshnik Bekteshi for questioning. Additionally, other officials from the ministry and various governmental bodies have been detained. “I will have no mercy,” stated Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in a national address over the weekend, expressing deep sorrow for the national tragedy.Mickoski, who assumed office in June, alleged that the nightclub had secured its license through bribery. The incident has shocked the nation, with many expressing their anger over regulatory failures that allowed the tragic event to occur in Kocani, a town situated approximately 50 miles east of the capital Skopje. As investigations continue, the government is under intense scrutiny to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
