A devastating fire swept through a nightclub in Kocani, a town in eastern North Macedonia, early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of 59 individuals and leaving 155 injured, according to officials. The fire erupted around 2:30 a.m. during a concert by a local pop band at Club Pulse, as reported by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski. So far, 39 victims have been identified.
Preliminary investigations suggest that pyrotechnics might have ignited the roof. Videos from the scene show panic as attendees rushed through smoke-filled rooms, with musicians urging them to evacuate quickly.
Families gathered anxiously outside hospitals, waiting for news. Among them was Dragi Stojanov, who learned of the tragic death of his 21-year-old son, Tomce, in the blaze. "He was my only child. My life has lost its meaning," he lamented. "This tragedy has shattered 150 families."
The injured have been transported to various hospitals across the country, including those in the capital, Skopje, with many suffering from severe burns. Several volunteer groups are assisting in the relief efforts. Health Minister Arben Taravari stated that 118 people are hospitalized and mentioned offers of support from neighboring countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia. "We are doing everything possible to save the lives of those affected," Taravari said, visibly moved.
This incident marks the most severe tragedy in recent history for the small nation of under 2 million people. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited victims in a Skopje hospital and spoke with waiting parents. "It's unimaginable... hard to comprehend how this occurred," she expressed, her voice filled with emotion. "We must encourage these young survivors to persevere."
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski conveyed his sorrow online, stating, "Today is a profoundly sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is beyond repair, and the grief of their families and friends is immeasurable."
In Kocani, family members gathered outside hospitals and municipal offices, seeking more information. The nightclub, housed in a former carpet warehouse, had been operational for several years, according to local reports.
The fire led to a partial collapse of the building's roof, exposing charred beams and debris. Police have secured the area and are collecting evidence, working alongside state prosecutors. State prosecutor Ljubco Kocevski mentioned that several individuals are being questioned, but details remain scarce as the investigation continues.
Authorities are examining the club's licensing and safety measures, with the interior ministry emphasizing the government's "moral responsibility" to ensure accountability. One arrest has been made, though specifics about the individual's role have not been disclosed.
As news of the tragedy spread, condolences poured in from neighboring countries and European leaders. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed deep sorrow, stating that the EU "shares the grief and pain of the people of North Macedonia." The country is currently a candidate for EU membership.
Messages of sympathy also came from regional leaders, including Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "I wish a swift recovery to the injured. Ukraine mourns with our Macedonian friends on this sorrowful day," Zelenskyy shared.
Pyrotechnics have been linked to other deadly nightclub fires in the past, such as the 2015 Colectiv club fire in Bucharest, Romania, which resulted in 64 fatalities.