A devastating fire at Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has claimed the lives of at least 59 people and left around 155 others injured. The tragedy unfolded during a concert by popular hip-hop duo DNK, attended by an estimated 1,500 people. Officials say that the fire was triggered by the use of pyrotechnics by young club-goers, which ignited the roof of the venue.
Details of the Tragedy
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed the grim toll at a press conference, stating that “at least 50 people died in a discotheque in Kocani.” The minister explained that the incident occurred when pyrotechnics set off by concert attendees caused the nightclub’s roof to catch fire rapidly. Social media footage captured moments of chaos as the fire engulfed the venue, with videos showing panicked crowds attempting to escape the smoke-filled interior.
READ MORE: Russian Captain Charged in Fatal North Sea Collision
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as the blaze intensified, with the sound of alarms and frantic shouts filling the air. One video, widely circulated online, showed a man on stage with a microphone beneath a rapidly spreading inferno, highlighting the swift and uncontrollable nature of the disaster.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency services rushed to the scene as local police cordoned off the area to secure evidence. State prosecutors, led by Ljubco Kocevski, have begun questioning several individuals in connection with the fire, although authorities stress that the exact cause remains under investigation.
Public broadcaster MRT reported that 27 people have been hospitalised at Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, while another 23 are receiving treatment at the Clinical Center. Among the injured are minors, adding an extra layer of concern for the community and authorities alike.
Investigation Underway
While the initial focus has been on rescuing survivors and tending to the injured, investigators are now turning their attention to uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragedy. State prosecutor Kocevski confirmed that several individuals are being questioned by police, though he offered few details about their potential involvement.
Authorities are also examining whether there were any shortcomings in safety measures at the venue. The use of pyrotechnics in crowded spaces has long been a subject of regulatory scrutiny, and this latest incident is expected to renew calls for tighter controls on such practices in entertainment venues.
Government Response
North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski addressed the nation on social media, describing the day as “difficult and very sad” for the country. “The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable,” he said. Mickoski assured the public that the government would do everything in its power to alleviate the suffering and provide support during these trying times.
The government’s response comes amid growing public outcry over the incident, with family members gathering outside hospitals and city offices in Kocani, demanding more information and accountability from authorities. The unfolding situation is also likely to prompt discussions about the regulation of pyrotechnics and overall safety standards in public entertainment venues.
Impact on the Community
The fire has had a profound impact on the local community, particularly in Kocani, a town located about 100 kilometres east of Skopje. Residents are grappling with the shock and grief of losing friends and family members in the blaze. Local authorities are under immense pressure to provide support to those affected, as well as to reassure the public that measures are being taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The disaster has also sparked a broader debate on emergency preparedness and public safety in North Macedonia. Community leaders and safety experts are calling for an urgent review of existing protocols, especially in venues that host large gatherings where the risk of fire is elevated.
What’s Next
As the investigation continues, officials are working to piece together the full sequence of events that led to the fire. The authorities have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their quest for answers and to ensure that those responsible for any negligence are held accountable.
For now, the nation mourns the significant loss of life and braces for the long road to recovery. Families of the victims and survivors of the tragedy face a challenging period ahead as they come to terms with the events of that tragic night.
The incident at Pulse nightclub is a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in crowded entertainment venues. As North Macedonia begins the painful process of healing, the hope is that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for improved safety standards and stricter regulatory measures to protect the public from similar disasters in the future.
