KOCANI, North Macedonia (AP) — Following a devastating nightclub fire that claimed the lives of 59 individuals and injured over 150, authorities in North Macedonia are urging for calm as student groups plan renewed protests on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred at Club Pulse in the eastern town of Kocani during a concert early Sunday when pyrotechnics were used, leading to a dangerous situation.
The horrific disaster has ignited public outrage concerning alleged corruption and safety violations. Demonstrations erupted on Monday in both Kocani and the capital city, Skopje, some of which escalated into violence. Protesters in Kocani were reported to have overturned a van and thrown rocks at a municipal building. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski addressed the situation, urging citizens to exercise reason and allow the prosecuting authorities to conduct their investigations in order to restore normalcy to the state.
Preliminary findings from investigations indicate that the club was operating at more than double its licensed capacity of 250 people and lacked necessary safety measures. According to officials, there were multiple safety violations, including no emergency exits, inadequate fire equipment, the presence of flammable materials, and an absence of sprinkler systems. The chaos ensued as panicked attendees rushed towards a single exit, resulting in many being trampled.
In a show of solidarity, neighboring countries Serbia and Bulgaria have declared a day of national mourning on Tuesday, expressing their condolences to the victims' families. Medical experts from the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Israel have stepped in to assist with the medical care of the injured. Meanwhile, the European Union is aiding the transportation of burn victims to medical facilities in nearby countries.
Approximately 50 patients are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, with the majority suffering from severe burns. The nightclub fire has heightened scrutiny regarding corruption in North Macedonia, a significant hurdle in the country’s ambitions for European Union accession, which has been previously cited by the EU. Authorities are exploring allegations that the club owners may have bribed officials to circumvent critical safety regulations.
In response to the tragedy, the North Macedonian government has mandated inspections of all nightclubs and entertainment venues across the nation to prevent future incidents. The call for accountability and safety in entertainment venues has become a rallying point for the populace, which is demanding justice and systemic reforms in the wake of this tragic event.
