A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, on March 16, 2025, claimed the lives of 59 young people and injured over 150. The tragedy, sparked by pyrotechnics at the Club Pulse, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice, exposing deep-seated corruption and systemic failings within the country’s regulatory bodies.
Catastrophic Blaze Claims Dozens of Young Lives
The fire erupted around 2:35 AM local time at Club Pulse in Kocani during a performance by the hip-hop duo DNK. Eyewitnesses and video footage confirm that sparks from onstage pyrotechnics ignited the club’s ceiling, which was constructed from flammable materials. The inferno spread rapidly, trapping hundreds of patrons, many of whom were between 14 and 24 years old.
Systemic Failures and Corruption Unveiled
Investigations quickly revealed that Club Pulse had been operating illegally for over a year with a fake license and no valid permit. Key safety deficiencies included:
- Overcapacity: The club was packed with approximately 500 people, double its official capacity of 250.
- Single Exit: There was only one exit, which was reportedly locked during the fire, preventing escape.
- Lack of Safety Measures: The venue lacked fire extinguishers, a fire alarm, and a sprinkler system.
- Flammable Construction: The ceiling was made of flammable materials, and plasterboard walls were not fire-resistant.
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed that more than 20 individuals are suspected of wrongdoing, including local officials and the club’s manager. Among those questioned were the former secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and a senior official from the ministry, highlighting allegations of bribery and corruption that allowed the unsafe establishment to operate.
Widespread Grief and Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has plunged North Macedonia into mourning, with thousands attending funerals across the country, particularly in Kocani, where 30 victims were buried. The profound loss has fueled public anger, leading to protests demanding an end to corruption. Placards at demonstrations read, "We are not dying from accidents; we are dying from corruption" and "Everything is legal here if you have connections."
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski declared seven days of national mourning and vowed that all those responsible, regardless of their position, would face justice. International condolences poured in from leaders including Pope Francis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European Commissioner Marta Kos.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
- Victim Identification: Many victims were identified through DNA samples due to the severity of the burns.
- Medical Response: Over 150 people were injured, with 27 in critical condition. Some critically injured patients were transferred to hospitals in Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey for specialized burn treatment.
- Arrests: Approximately 20 people have been arrested, including members of the band, the son of the club owner, and government officials.
- Public Outcry: The incident has sparked widespread protests and calls for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
The investigation continues, with authorities collecting documents and interviewing individuals to determine criminal liability for "serious offenses against public security."
Sources
- At least 59 killed in ‘catastrophic’ fire at illegal nightclub in North Macedonia, ABC News.
- Thousands mourn victims of North Macedonia nightclub fire | Politics News, Al Jazeera.
- Fire at packed North Macedonia nightclub kills 59, Reuters.
- North Macedonia nightclub fire: crowds call for justice for 59 killed, Reuters.
- Thousands gather to mourn North Macedonia nightclub fire dead, BBC.
