A devastating nightclub fire in North Macedonia has claimed the lives of at least 59 people and injured 155 others after flames engulfed Pulse Club in Kocani during a concert. The tragedy, believed to have been caused by pyrotechnic sparks igniting a flammable ceiling, has sparked a national outcry over fire safety violations and corruption.
Authorities have detained 15 people in connection with the incident, amid suspicions of bribery and illegal licensing. Officials have declared seven days of national mourning, as families mourn young victims and the government faces pressure for accountability.
North Macedonia Mourns After Deadly Nightclub Blaze
Key Developments
🔥 Casualties: 59 confirmed dead, 155 injured.
🚨 Investigation Ongoing: 15 people detained over licensing violations.
🏛️ Government Response: Seven days of national mourning declared.
💡 Fire Cause: Pyrotechnics ignited flammable materials on the ceiling.
The nightclub, which had been operating illegally without a proper license, had only one efficient exit, making it nearly impossible for the 500 attendees to escape. Panic broke out as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly, leading to a deadly stampede.
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How the Macedonia Fire Started
Authorities have confirmed that indoor pyrotechnics used during a performance by popular hip-hop duo DNK triggered the fire.
Fire Safety Failures
- Locked Back Door: Survivors report the venue’s secondary exit was locked, trapping people inside.
- No Fire Extinguishers: Officials say the club lacked a functioning fire suppression system.
- Flammable Materials: The ceiling was made of highly combustible material, worsening the fire’s spread.
Footage from inside the venue shows sparks from pyrotechnic flares hitting the ceiling, which ignited within seconds. Some concertgoers initially tried to put out the flames instead of evacuating, underestimating the fire’s intensity.
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Horrific Survivor Accounts
Many of the victims were teenagers and young adults, with over 20 injured and three fatalities confirmed as minors.
Eyewitness Testimonies
- Marija Taseva, 20: “I was caught in a crush, trampled as people rushed for the exits. I barely made it out.”
- Mustafa Saidov, Red Cross Volunteer: “The situation is brutal—so many young lives lost.”
- Dr. Vladislav Gruev, Burn Specialist: “Most victims have second and third-degree burns on their head, neck, and torso.”
Some survivors were unrecognizable due to severe burns, making identification challenging for hospital staff. At least 18 victims remain in critical condition, with some transferred to Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey for specialized treatment.
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Government Response & International Reactions
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a “difficult and very sad day”, while President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova pledged a full investigation, vowing that “no business should function without safety standards.”
European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have expressed condolences, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić warned that the death toll may rise as more critically injured victims fight for survival.
What Happens Next?
- Authorities to question the 15 detained suspects.
- Government to review all nightclub fire safety regulations.
- Potential criminal charges for club owners and officials involved in bribery.
This preventable tragedy has sparked national outrage, with demands for stricter regulations to prevent future disasters.
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