A devastating nightclub fire in the eastern town of Kocani, North Macedonia, claimed the lives of at least 51 people in the early hours of Sunday morning and left more than 100 others injured. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski provided details of the tragedy during a press conference, describing the harrowing events that unfolded inside the Pulse nightclub.
The fire erupted at approximately 2:35 a.m. while a local pop group was performing on stage, drawing a large crowd of young attendees. According to preliminary reports, the blaze was triggered by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the roof, setting off a fast-spreading inferno.
Horrifying footage from inside the venue showed panicked clubgoers struggling to escape as thick smoke filled the air. The musicians on stage could be seen desperately urging the crowd to evacuate as quickly as possible. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, with many people trapped in the confined space, struggling to find exits amidst the confusion and smoke.
Authorities confirmed that the injured individuals had been rushed to various hospitals across the country, including major medical facilities in the capital, Skopje. Many of the victims suffered severe burns, requiring intensive medical treatment. The emergency response was bolstered by multiple volunteer organizations, which quickly mobilized to assist in rescue efforts and provide medical support.
Health Minister Arben Taravari expressed deep concern over the scale of the disaster, stating that 118 people had been admitted to hospitals. He added that neighboring countries had offered medical assistance and other forms of support.
“Every resource at our disposal is being utilized to save as many lives as possible,” Taravari said during a press briefing, his emotions visibly shaken as he addressed the media.
The tragic fire is being described as one of the worst disasters to strike North Macedonia in recent memory. The small Balkan nation, home to fewer than two million people, is now grappling with the profound loss of so many young lives.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences, calling the incident an unimaginable tragedy. “Today is a day of immense sorrow for our country. The pain endured by the families, loved ones, and friends of those who perished is immeasurable,” Mickoski wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The government, along with the people of North Macedonia, will do everything possible to ease the suffering of the affected families and provide them with the necessary support in these dark times.”
Distraught family members of those who were inside the nightclub gathered in front of hospitals and government offices in Kocani, desperately seeking information about their loved ones. Many were in tears, pleading with authorities for updates as they struggled to process the magnitude of the disaster.
According to reports from local media outlet MKD, the Pulse nightclub was housed in an old building that had previously been used as a carpet warehouse. The venue had been in operation for several years, but questions are now being raised regarding its licensing, fire safety standards, and overall structural integrity.
Interior Minister Toshkovski assured the public that authorities would conduct a thorough investigation into the nightclub’s compliance with safety regulations. He emphasized that the government bore a “moral responsibility” to ensure accountability and take legal action against anyone found to be negligent in maintaining safety standards.
One individual has already been taken into police custody in connection with the incident, though officials have not yet disclosed the person’s specific role or level of responsibility.
The tragedy has resonated across the region, with leaders from neighboring countries and international organizations expressing their condolences. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were among those who extended their sympathies.
“I wish all those who were injured a swift and full recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our Macedonian friends on this heartbreaking day,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
As the nation mourns, officials continue to focus on relief efforts, medical care for the injured, and the ongoing investigation into how such a catastrophic fire could have occurred. Many questions remain unanswered, but for now, the primary concern is supporting the victims, their families, and the devastated community of Kocani.