A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, has claimed the lives of at least 61 people, with the latest victim succumbing to injuries sustained in the blaze. The inferno erupted during a pyrotechnic display at a packed concert on March 16, trapping hundreds of young revelers. The tragedy has ignited widespread public anger, protests, and calls for accountability, highlighting systemic failures in fire safety and alleged corruption.
Key Takeaways
- The death toll has risen to 61 after a critically injured victim died in Lithuania.
- The fire occurred during a pyrotechnic display at a concert in the Pulse nightclub.
- Investigations point to severe fire safety violations and potential bribery for operating permits.
- Protests have erupted across North Macedonia demanding accountability from officials.
- The EU has coordinated the evacuation of burn victims to several European countries.
The Tragic Inferno
The fire broke out at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani during a live concert featuring a hip-hop duo. Pyrotechnics ignited the ceiling, quickly engulfing the venue packed with an estimated 650 people, many of whom were young. The blaze resulted in a panicked rush for the single exit, leading to numerous casualties from burns, smoke inhalation, and trampling. The initial death toll of 59 has since risen to 61 with the death of a 29-year-old man treated abroad.
Investigations and Arrests
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, focusing on fire safety violations and allegations of bribery to obtain operating permits and bypass regulations. So far, 34 individuals, including a former finance minister and seven senior police officers, are in custody. Prosecutors are exploring charges that could lead to up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The mayor of Kocani resigned following the emerging scandal.
Public Outcry and Protests
The tragedy has fueled widespread public anger and disbelief, with thousands taking to the streets in Skopje and other cities to demand accountability. Protesters have criticized the government’s handling of the disaster and called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Opposition parties have also called for the resignation of the Interior Minister.
International Response and Support
Neighboring countries and several European nations have offered support, accepting dozens of injured patients for treatment. The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been instrumental in facilitating the evacuation of critically injured individuals to hospitals across Europe, including Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania. The Health Minister confirmed that 64 injured victims are being treated abroad, with seven remaining hospitalized in North Macedonia.
Systemic Failures and Corruption Concerns
Preliminary inspections revealed significant safety code violations at the nightclub, including a lack of emergency exits, insufficient fire extinguishers, and improper access for emergency vehicles. The use of flammable materials on interior walls and the absence of sprinkler systems and fire alarms were also noted. These findings have amplified concerns about pervasive corruption in North Macedonia, which has been identified as a major obstacle to the country’s accession to the European Union.
Sources
- Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire rises to 61, AP News.
- Protesters demanding greater accountability march in North Macedonia over deadly nightclub fire, AP News.
- North Macedonia nightclub fire sparks outrage, disbelief and calls for punishment, PBS.
- Grief, anger in North Macedonia as thousands mourn nightclub fire victims | News, Al Jazeera.
- The EU is evacuating burn victims after deadly fire in a nightclub in North Macedonia, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
