Kočani, North Macedonia: A devastating fire broke out at Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, during a concert by popular hip-hop duo DNK, claiming at least 59 lives and injuring 155 others.
Witnesses described chaos as panicked crowds struggled to escape, with only one accessible exit for around 500 people. Images on social media showed chaotic scenes as the fire broke out, and the band’s singer urged the audience to vacate the premises as quickly as possible.
Nineteen-year-old survivor Elena Taseva recounted the horror, explaining how she was trapped on the ground while others trampled over her. Though she managed to escape, her sister did not survive.
Authorities have arrested ten suspects, including officials involved in licensing the venue, which lacked legal approval to operate and the investigators are examining possible corruption.
The premises had previously served as a carpet warehouse in Kočani, a town about 60 miles (97km) east of the capital, Skopje. Press reports described it as an “improvised nightclub.”
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski confirmed that pyrotechnic sparks ignited the highly flammable ceiling, leading to the tragedy.
Medical officials said many people had suffered severe burns and carbon monoxide poisoning and that plans were under way to transport the critically wounded to specialised hospitals across Europe.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova vowed accountability, declaring, “No one responsible should evade justice. Nothing is worthier than human life, specifically young life.”
The government has announced a seven-day period of national mourning and an emergency session to investigate the disaster and has announced that it would immediately step up inspections of nightclubs and similar venues to ensure they comply with international safety regulations.
ALSO READ | Serbia’s largest protest erupts over Novi Sad station collapse
