In a shocking incident that has left the nation in mourning, a devastating fire at a packed nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals and injured over 100 others. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed the tragic news, revealing that the blaze erupted at the Pulse club around 3 AM local time (02:00 GMT) during a concert by the band DNA. The fire was ignited by pyrotechnic devices that were set off inside the venue, leading to a rapid spread of flames throughout the club.
The fire began when sparks from the pyrotechnics ignited the ceiling above the stage, causing chaos among attendees. A video verified by the Reuters news agency captures the moment when the band was performing, with flares shooting white sparks into the air. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage show the nightclub engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing into the night sky, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In the wake of this catastrophic event, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals connected to the fire. Emergency services, alongside a public prosecutor from Kocani’s Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office, have been deployed to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. The prosecutor’s office stated, “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.”
Al Jazeera’s Maja Blajevska, reporting live from Kocani, emphasized the profound impact this incident has had on the small town and the entire country. “Here, on the side of the road, many parents are still searching for their children,” she reported, encapsulating the heartbreak felt by many. According to North Macedonia’s MRT public broadcaster, 27 individuals are receiving treatment for severe burns at the Skopje City Hospital, while another 23 are being cared for at the Clinical Center. Kristina Serafimova, the director of Kocani General Hospital, disclosed that most of the injured victims are between the ages of 14 and 24. Alarmingly, some of the deceased remain unidentified due to a lack of identification documents, complicating the identification process.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his sorrow over the incident on Facebook, stating, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.” He urged all relevant authorities and health services to take immediate measures to aid the injured and support families affected by this tragedy.
The European Union, along with a multitude of countries, has extended condolences in light of the tragic fire. Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, expressed his heartbreak, 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.”
This tragic event at the Pulse nightclub serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in venues hosting large gatherings. As investigations continue and the community comes to terms with this profound loss, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.
