North Macedonia nightclub fire: Death toll rises to 59, over 150 injured

A devastating fire in a nightclub in North Macedonia has resulted in the deaths of at least 59 people and left more than 155 injured. The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. local time at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, a town located approximately 100 kilometers east of the capital, Skopje. At the time of the blaze, around 1,500 people were attending a concert by DNK, a popular local hip-hop group.

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North Macedonia fire causes and initial response

According to reports from officials, the fire was ignited by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that hit the ceiling of the club. The ceiling, made of highly flammable material, caught fire quickly, causing the flames to spread rapidly across the venue. Eyewitness footage shows the band continuing their performance as sparks from two flares set the ceiling alight, creating a chaotic scene in the crowded club.

North Macedonia's fire investigations and arrests

The North Macedonian authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic incident, with arrest warrants issued for four individuals, including the nightclub’s owner. Initial reports suggest that the use of pyrotechnic devices in a venue with highly flammable materials may have contributed to the fire's rapid spread. The country’s interior minister confirmed the arrest of one man in connection with the incident, and further investigations are ongoing.

Witnesses reported panic as club-goers rushed to exit the venue. Marija Taseva, a 20-year-old attendee, described being caught in a crush of people as they scrambled for the exits. She managed to escape after being trampled in the chaos. However, her sister, who was also at the event, remains missing. As of now, she has not been located in any local hospitals and may have been transferred to Skopje for further treatment.

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North Macedonia's fire death toll and injuries

The death toll from the fire has increased to 59, with authorities confirming that many of the victims were young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Eighteen people remain in critical condition, and hospital staff are struggling to identify patients due to the lack of ID cards. The government has announced plans for urgent inspections of all nightclubs and restaurants hosting large gatherings to ensure safety measures are properly enforced.

In response to the tragedy, the government has declared seven days of national mourning and vowed to determine the causes of the fire. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences, calling the event a “difficult and very sad day” for North Macedonia, which has lost many young lives.

The nightclub fire in Kocani is one of the deadliest in the country’s history and serves as a tragic reminder of the need for strict safety regulations in public venues, especially those hosting large crowds.