A horrific nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, has left at least 59 people dead and over 155 injured, turning what was supposed to be a night of music and celebration into one of the country’s worst tragedies.
How the Fire Started
The blaze broke out around 2:30 AM local time at the Pulse Club, where over 1,500 people had gathered for a concert by DNK, a popular hip-hop duo. Initial reports suggest sparks from pyrotechnic devices set fire to the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. Within seconds, the flames spread rapidly, trapping many inside.
Panic, Chaos, and Desperate Escapes
Footage from inside the night club in Macedonia shows concertgoers trying to put out the fire while others hesitate to leave, unaware of how fast the flames would take over. Survivor Marija Taseva, 20, described being caught in a stampede as people rushed toward the exits. She was trampled but managed to escape. Sadly, her 25-year-old sister is still missing, and the family fears she may have been transferred to Skopje for treatment.
Arrests and Government Response
Authorities have already made one arrest, and four more warrants have been issued. The club’s owner is reportedly among those detained. Officials have also announced a seven-day national mourning period and immediate inspections of all nightclubs and large venues.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a “difficult and very sad day”, vowing to determine who is responsible and ensure this never happens again.
A Nation in Mourning
With at least 18 people in critical condition, the death toll could rise. Many of the victims were between 14 and 24 years old, making this loss even more devastating. Families are still searching for missing loved ones, while hospital staff struggle to identify the injured due to a lack of ID cards.
This tragedy has left North Macedonia in shock, raising serious concerns about nightclub safety and fire prevention. As the investigation continues, the country grieves for the young lives lost in what should have been a night to remember, for all the right reasons.
