Tragedy Strikes: North Macedonia Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives, Ignites Protests
A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in the deaths of 59 people and left over 150 injured. The blaze, which erupted during a concert, has sparked widespread grief, national mourning, and intense protests against alleged corruption and systemic failures in safety regulations. Investigations are ongoing, with multiple arrests made.
The Catastrophic Event
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, at approximately 2:35 AM local time, the Pulse nightclub in Kocani became the scene of a horrific tragedy. Sparks from pyrotechnic devices used during a performance by the hip-hop duo DNK ignited the club’s ceiling, which was reportedly made of flammable material. The fire spread rapidly, trapping hundreds of concertgoers.
Aftermath and Casualties
The fire claimed the lives of 59 individuals, with 41 of the victims being in their 20s or younger, including three 17-year-olds. Over 150 people sustained injuries, ranging from burns and smoke inhalation to trampling injuries during the panicked escape. Many of the seriously injured were transferred to hospitals in neighboring countries like Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey for specialized treatment. An ambulance driver, Ile Gocevski, also died of apparent heart failure after making 11 hospital runs on the night of the fire.
Investigations and Allegations
Authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into the fire, focusing on potential safety violations and allegations of corruption. Key findings and concerns include:
- Illegal Operation: The Pulse nightclub reportedly operated without a proper license.
- Overcrowding: The venue, with an official capacity of 250, was estimated to have held around 500 people at the time of the fire.
- Safety Lapses: Preliminary inspections revealed numerous safety code violations:
- Lack of emergency exits (only one exit was available and reportedly locked).
- Insufficient fire extinguishers.
- Improper access for emergency vehicles.
- Absence of an overhead extinguisher system and fire alarms.
- Use of flammable materials for interior walls and ceiling.
More than 20 individuals have been detained, including police officers, government officials, and the club manager, as part of the ongoing probe into bribery and corruption linked to the club’s permits.
National Mourning and Protests
The tragedy has plunged North Macedonia into a period of national mourning. Funerals were held across the country, with the main service in Kocani, where 30 victims were buried. Thousands attended, expressing profound grief and anger. The incident has also fueled widespread protests against corruption and systemic failures, with demonstrators demanding accountability from authorities. The government has responded by ordering a sweeping three-day inspection of all nightclubs and cabarets nationwide to ensure safety compliance.
Sources
- Thousands mourn victims of North Macedonia nightclub fire | Politics News, Al Jazeera.
- North Macedonia nightclub fire updates: At least 59 killed during concert | News, Al Jazeera.
- At least 59 people killed after fire in nightclub in North Macedonia – video report | North Macedonia, The Guardian.
- Thousands gather to mourn North Macedonia nightclub fire dead, BBC.
- North Macedonia town in shock, grief as officials investigate nightclub owners after deadly fire, CBC.
