A catastrophic blaze consumed a nightclub in the eastern North Macedonian town of Kocani early Sunday morning, resulting in a tragic loss of 59 lives and leaving 155 others injured, as per official statements. The fire reportedly ignited around 2:30 a.m. during a live performance by a local pop band at Club Pulse, as confirmed by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski. He also verified that 39 of the deceased have been identified to date. Initial investigations point towards the possibility of pyrotechnics used during the concert sparking the fire on the roof.
The incident triggered pandemonium inside the club, with young patrons frantically trying to escape the smoke-filled premises. Footage from the scene showed the band members urging the crowd to evacuate as swiftly as possible. As word of the disaster spread, anxious family members congregated outside hospitals, awaiting news about their loved ones. Among the victims was 21-year-old Tomce, the only child of Kocani resident Dragi Stojanov.
The injured were rushed to various hospitals across the country, including the capital, Skopje, with many suffering from severe burns. Volunteer organizations played a crucial role in aiding the rescue efforts. Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that 118 people have been hospitalized and acknowledged offers of assistance from neighboring countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.
The incident has been labeled as the worst tragedy in recent history for the small, landlocked nation with a population of less than 2 million. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited burn victims at a hospital in Skopje and expressed her condolences to the bereaved parents.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his grief online, stating, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.”
The nightclub, housed in a former carpet warehouse, has been operational for several years. The fire resulted in the partial collapse of the single-story building’s roof, revealing charred wooden beams and debris. Authorities have sealed off the site for investigation, with state prosecutors and police collecting evidence.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and several individuals are being interrogated by the police. The government has committed to examining the venue’s licensing and safety measures, promising to prosecute anyone found culpable.
The tragedy has elicited condolences from neighboring countries and leaders across Europe. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed her profound sadness and solidarity with the people of North Macedonia, a candidate for EU membership. Sympathies also came from regional politicians, including Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.