Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Claims 59 Lives

 

Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Claims 59 Lives

Over 150 Suffer Injuries in Kocani Disaster

A deadly fire at a packed nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in at least 59 deaths and over 150 injuries, as confirmed by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has stated that four individuals have been issued arrest warrants in connection with the incident.

The fire broke out at approximately 3 a.m. (02:00 GMT) on Sunday at the Pulse club during a live performance by the band DNK. Reports indicate that the blaze was sparked when pyrotechnics were ignited inside the venue, which is situated around 100km (62 miles) east of the capital, Skopje.

Footage circulating on social media before the fire captures the use of "stage fountains"—a type of indoor firework used in performances.

As the fireworks went off, "the sparks caught the ceiling, which was made of easily flammable material, after which the fire rapidly spread across the whole discotheque, creating thick smoke", Toshkovski explained.

Videos depict the nightclub consumed by flames, with thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky.

Government Response and Mourning Period

According to the Sloboden Pecat newspaper, the government is expected to announce a seven-day period of mourning. Authorities are also planning urgent safety inspections of all entertainment venues and nightclubs that host large gatherings.

‘A Huge Tragedy’

Residents of Kocani have described the fire as an immense tragedy, impacting not just their small town in eastern North Macedonia but the entire nation.

“Here, on the side of the road, many parents are still searching for their children,” she said.

Dozens Hospitalized with Severe Burns

North Macedonia’s MRT public broadcaster has reported that 27 individuals are being treated for severe burns at Skopje City Hospital, while another 23 patients are receiving care at the Clinical Center.

Kristina Serafimova, director of Kocani General Hospital—where many victims initially received treatment—stated that most of the injured are between the ages of 14 and 24, as reported by Sloboden Pecat.

She also revealed that some of the deceased have yet to be identified due to a lack of identification documents. Among the confirmed victims were three members of DNK—Andrej Gorgieski, Filip Stevanovski, and Gorgi Gorgijev—along with their backup vocalist and photographer, Sara Projkovska.

Investigation and Arrests

Authorities have so far arrested 20 individuals in connection with the incident, including an employee from the Ministry of the Economy—the agency responsible for issuing operational licenses—after it was discovered that the nightclub had been operating with a falsified license.

Prime Minister's Statement

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski addressed the tragedy on Facebook, stating:

“This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable.”

“I call on all competent institutions – health services, relevant authorities – to take urgent measures to assist the injured and support the affected families.”

Authorities and International Reactions

The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that emergency responders, along with a public prosecutor from Kocani’s Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office, were present at the scene.

“The number of victims and injured is still being determined. All resources and capacities of the prosecution offices will be mobilised to support the Kocani prosecution in its urgent response,” a statement from the prosecutor’s office read.

Expressions of sympathy and offers of assistance have poured in from across Europe, including neighboring Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Albania, all of whom have extended support to help treat the injured.

European Council President Antonio Costa expressed his condolences, stating:

“Heartbroken by the loss of so many young people in the terrible fire in Kocani. My thoughts go out to all the families of the victims of this tragedy.”

Meanwhile, Pope Francis sent prayers for both the victims and survivors, with the Vatican releasing a statement addressed to the bishop of Skopje, Kiro Stojanov, saying he wished “the families of the dead, mostly young people, the expression of his deep condolence, signifying spiritual closeness to the wounded.”