On March 16, a devastating fire broke out in a nightclub in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, resulting in the tragic loss of 51 lives and leaving more than 100 individuals injured. The incident, which took place around 3:00 a.m., has sent shockwaves through the local community and the entire nation. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski confirmed that the fire was ignited by pyrotechnic devices used during a concert, which ultimately led to an uncontrollable blaze.
The fire erupted due to sparks generated by flares firing white sparks into the air, as seen in a video verified by Reuters. The footage shows a band performing on stage when the ceiling above them ignited, prompting the musicians to step back in alarm. The rapid spread of the fire through the club, named 'Pulse', was so intense that firefighters arrived to find the entrance charred and smoking, as depicted in local TV broadcasts.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, North Macedonia’s MRT public broadcaster reported that 27 of the injured were hospitalized at Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, while another 23 were receiving treatment at the Clinical Center. Disturbingly, among those injured were minors, highlighting the tragic consequences of this catastrophic event.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences in a heartfelt post 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." He called on all relevant authorities and health services to take urgent action to assist the injured and support their families during this harrowing time.
This tragic incident has raised significant concerns about safety regulations in public venues, especially regarding the use of pyrotechnics at events. As the community of Kocani mourns the loss of life, there is a pressing need for thorough investigations and stronger safety measures to prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies in the future.
