North Macedonia nightclub fire kills 59, injures over 150 in tragic incident. About 500 people had gathered for a performance at Kocani’s Pulse club when the fire broke out early on Sunday morning. As investigations uncover potential corruption and safety breaches, officials have arrested 15 people.
Fire Breaks Out During Concert
The incident occurred at 2:30 a.m. local time, with footage showing sparks from pyrotechnic devices igniting the highly flammable ceiling. Many people were trapped inside as the flames spread quickly.
With the rear door locked, chaos erupted as people struggled to find the only way out.
- The majority of guests were between the ages of 18 and 20, and over 20 of the victims were minors.
- A member of the DNK band lives on Out of the performing hip-hop combo, just one survived.
Allegations of Corruption and Safety Violations
Officials disclosed that the nightclub was an improvised location in a disused carpet factory and did not have a valid operating license. Emergency lighting was defective, and fire-extinguishing systems were insufficient.
“There are grounds for suspicion of bribery and corruption,” said Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, expressing alarm about illicit activities.
Survivor Stories and Medical Emergencies
Survivors describe panic, crushing crowds, and harrowing escapes.
Marija Taseva, 20, said, “I was trampled, but somehow I made it out. My sister didn’t.”
Doctors report severe burns – Patients have second and third-degree burns on their upper bodies.
Eighteen patients remain in severe condition, and hospitals in Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey are treating several of them.
International Condolences and National Mourning
Seven days of national mourning have been proclaimed in North Macedonia. “Your immense pain is mine too,” said President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who also promised more stringent rules.
While Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic issued a warning that additional victims could die from their wounds, European politicians, including Ursula von der Leyen, sent their sympathies.
In an effort to stop catastrophes from happening in dangerous places again, authorities are still looking into the matter.
Source: BBC
