Gina Heslop
A terrible fire broke out at a nightclub in North Macedonia, killing at least 59 people and injuring more than 100 others.
The tragic incident happened at the Pulse club in Kocani, a village about 100 kilometers east of the capital, Skopje. The nightclub was packed with over 500 people who had come to watch a concert by the popular hip-hop group DNK.
The fire started in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 3 a.m. local time. The concert had begun at midnight, and people were still inside the venue when the fire suddenly erupted.
Emergency teams, including firefighters from nearby towns, rushed to the scene to control the flames and rescue people. However, the fire spread rapidly, making it difficult for many to escape.
Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising into the sky as the nightclub was engulfed in flames. Footage taken inside the club before the fire broke out showed the use of stage pyrotechnics—small indoor fireworks often used in concerts. Shortly after these effects were set off, flames appeared above the band and quickly spread across the ceiling.
North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Pance Toskovski, said that sparks from the fireworks most likely ignited the fire. The nightclub’s ceiling was made of a highly flammable material, allowing the fire to spread almost instantly.
The flames moved fast, filling the club with thick smoke. Many people inside panicked, unsure of what to do. Some tried to put out the flames, while others rushed toward the exits.
Witnesses reported that a stampede followed as hundreds of people desperately tried to escape. Many were trampled in the chaos, and some died due to smoke inhalation. According to reports, emergency responders found bodies near the club’s exits, suggesting that some victims collapsed while trying to escape.
Survivors were taken to hospitals in different locations. Some of the injured were flown to Skopje, while others were sent to hospitals in nearby towns, including Stip, which is 30 kilometers away. According to hospital officials, at least 30 people were being treated in Kocani, while another 60 were transferred to other medical facilities.
By sunrise, news outlets showed footage of the nightclub’s remains. The fire had burned through the roof, leaving a large hole in the ceiling. The entrance was also completely blackened by the flames. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire. Anyone involved in organizing the event is being questioned by the Ministry of the Interior.
The tragedy shocked the country, with many expressing their grief and support for the victims’ families. North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, called it a “difficult and very sad day” for the country.
He posted on Facebook, saying, “The loss of so many young lives is irreparable. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones.” He also promised that the government would do everything possible to help the victims’ families.
International leaders also expressed their condolences. The UK ambassador to North Macedonia, Matthew Lawson, posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kocani that claimed the lives of so many people, many of whom were young. Our hearts go out to their families and friends.”
Similarly, the U.S. ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler, said she was heartbroken over the loss of life. She also stated that the U.S. Embassy was ready to assist in any way possible.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine whether safety regulations were followed and if the fire could have been prevented. Meanwhile, the people of North Macedonia are mourning this tragic event, hoping for answers and justice for the victims.
