A devastating fire engulfed a nightclub in the eastern town of Kocani in North Macedonia early Sunday, resulting in the death of 59 people and injuring 155 others, according to official reports. The fire reportedly started around 2:30 a.m. during a concert by a local pop band at Club Pulse, as stated by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski. He confirmed that 39 of the deceased have been identified so far. Preliminary investigations suggest that pyrotechnics used during the concert may have ignited the roof.
The incident led to a chaotic scene inside the club, with young attendees scrambling to escape amidst the smoke. Videos captured the musicians urging the crowd to evacuate as quickly as possible. As news of the tragedy spread, family members anxiously gathered outside hospitals, awaiting updates on their loved ones. Among the victims was 21-year-old Tomce, the only child of Kocani resident Dragi Stojanov.
The injured were transported to various hospitals across the country, including the capital, Skopje, with many suffering from severe burns. Volunteer organizations were instrumental in assisting with the rescue efforts. Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that 118 people have been hospitalized and acknowledged offers of assistance from neighboring countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.
The incident has been described as the worst tragedy in recent memory for the small, landlocked nation with a population of less than 2 million. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited burn victims at a hospital in Skopje and expressed her condolences to the grieving parents.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his sorrow online, stating, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.”
The nightclub, located in a former carpet warehouse, has been operational for several years. The fire led to the partial collapse of the single-story building’s roof, exposing charred wooden beams and debris. Authorities have cordoned off the site for investigation, with state prosecutors and police gathering evidence.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and several people are being questioned by the police. The government has pledged to scrutinize the venue’s licensing and safety measures, vowing to prosecute anyone found responsible.
The tragedy has drawn condolences from neighboring countries and leaders across Europe. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed her deep sadness and solidarity with the people of North Macedonia, a candidate for EU membership. Condolences also came from regional politicians, including Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.