SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) – A devastating fire swept through a nightclub in Kocani, a town in eastern North Macedonia, during the early hours of Sunday, resulting in the tragic loss of 51 lives and leaving over 100 others injured. The incident occurred around 2:35 a.m. during a concert by a local pop group at the Pulse nightclub, as confirmed by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski during a press conference.
The inferno was reportedly ignited by pyrotechnics used during the performance, which caused the structure's roof to catch fire. Eyewitness videos revealed scenes of chaos inside the nightclub, showing young concertgoers scrambling to escape through thick smoke, while musicians urged them to flee as quickly as possible. Emergency response teams took immediate action, transporting the injured to hospitals across the country, including those in the capital, Skopje. Many victims suffered from severe burns, prompting assistance from various volunteer organizations.
Health Minister Arben Taravari provided updates on the situation, indicating that 118 individuals had been hospitalized. He mentioned receiving offers of support from neighboring countries to aid in the recovery efforts. "All our capabilities have been put to use, in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy," Taravari expressed, his demeanor reflecting the gravity of the situation.
This incident stands as the deadliest calamity in recent history for North Macedonia, a landlocked nation with a population of just under 2 million. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski conveyed his deep sorrow on social media, describing the day as profoundly difficult and sad for the nation. He emphasized that the loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the anguish felt by families, friends, and loved ones is immeasurable. Mickoski assured that both the people and the government would strive to alleviate the pain of those affected during this tragic time.
As news of the catastrophe spread, family members congregated outside hospitals and municipal offices in Kocani, pleading with authorities for information about their loved ones. Local media sources reported that the nightclub operated within an older building that had previously functioned as a carpet warehouse and had been in operation for several years.
In response to the tragedy, Minister Toshkovski announced that an investigation would be launched to examine the licensing and safety regulations of the venue. He emphasized that the government holds a "moral responsibility" to pursue legal action against any individuals found responsible for the disaster. Authorities have detained one man in connection with the incident, though no further details regarding his involvement have been disclosed.
Expressions of condolences have poured in from political leaders across the region, including Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended his sympathies, stating, "I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our (North) Macedonian friends on this sad day.”
This tragedy has sparked a national outpouring of grief as the people of North Macedonia come to terms with the loss and the impact of such a catastrophic event.
