A devastating fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, has claimed the lives of 59 people and left 155 injured, including many young revelers. The blaze, which broke out early Sunday, was reportedly ignited by pyrotechnics on stage, engulfing the overcrowded nightclub in flames. Panic ensued as patrons rushed to escape through the single exit, with some being trampled in the chaos. Authorities have declared seven days of national mourning, as the country grapples with the tragedy.
Investigations have revealed serious safety violations, including a lack of emergency exits, inadequate fire extinguishers, and overcrowding—double the club’s official capacity. Fifteen people have been detained for questioning, with authorities suspecting bribery and corruption in the club’s operations. The government has launched an urgent inspection of all nightclubs and cabarets across the country to prevent similar incidents.
The tragedy has left the nation in shock, with grieving families demanding justice. Flags have been lowered to half-staff, and critically injured victims have been transferred to hospitals in neighboring countries. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it the most difficult day of his life, while citizens gathered for a candlelight vigil in Kocani. Many lamented the state of the country’s institutions, blaming corruption for the disaster and calling for urgent reforms.
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