Deadly Fire at North Macedonia Nightclub Kills 59, Injures Over 150
Kočani, North Macedonia – A devastating fire tore through the Pulse nightclub in Kočani early Sunday, leaving 59 people dead and more than 150 injured. The blaze erupted during a live concert attended by around 1,500 people, mostly young adults, far exceeding the venue’s official capacity of 250.
Initial reports suggest that pyrotechnics used during the performance ignited the ceiling, which was composed of highly flammable materials. The fire spread rapidly, and the club’s single exit led to panic and a deadly stampede as concertgoers tried to flee.
Emergency services struggled to manage the large number of victims, with several critically injured individuals transferred to hospitals in neighboring countries due to limited local capacity.
Authorities have arrested the nightclub’s owner and issued warrants for three others. Investigations revealed that the club was operating without proper licenses and violated safety regulations.
In response, the North Macedonian government declared seven days of national mourning. Leaders from across the world, including the Pope and EU officials, offered condolences, while nearby countries like Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey pledged assistance.
The tragedy has triggered public outcry, raising concerns over lax safety standards, illegal operations of entertainment venues, and possible corruption in the licensing process. Comparisons have been drawn to similar past incidents, prompting calls for immediate government action to improve venue safety inspections and enforce stricter regulations.
