Kočani, North Macedonia, March 16- A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani has claimed at least 59 lives and injured over 150 others. The blaze erupted around 2:30 a.m. local time during a concert by the hip-hop duo DNK, attended by approximately 1,500 people.
Cause and Immediate Aftermath
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski indicated that pyrotechnic devices used during the performance likely ignited the club’s ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of the fire. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as attendees scrambled to escape the inferno. Survivor Maria Taseva, 19, recounted the panic, mentioning how her sister was trampled in the rush to exit.
Casualties and Medical Response
Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that 148 individuals have been hospitalized, with 18 in critical condition. Some patients have been transferred to neighboring countries for specialized treatment. The victims range in age from 14 to 24, underscoring the tragedy’s impact on the nation’s youth.
Legal Actions and Investigation
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals connected to the incident, including the nightclub owner, who has been detained. Public Prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski is leading a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess potential negligence.
National and International Reactions
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed profound grief, labeling the day as “difficult and very sad” for North Macedonia. He pledged full governmental support for the affected families. Condolences have poured in from international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commissioner Marta Kos, accentuating the widespread sorrow over the tragedy.
Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
In response to the disaster, the government plans to conduct emergency inspections of nightclubs and similar venues to ensure compliance with safety standards. This incident draws parallels to previous nightclub fires, such as the 2015 Colectiv club fire in Romania, emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety regulations.
As North Macedonia mourns this immense loss, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and preventing such tragedies in the future
