A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has left at least 59 people dead and over 150 injured, sparking widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about safety regulations in the country’s entertainment venues. The blaze erupted in the early hours of Sunday, March 16, 2025, trapping hundreds of mostly young revelers inside the overcrowded venue during a performance by the local hip-hop group DNK.
Chaos and Tragedy Unfold
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as flames and thick smoke engulfed the nightclub, which reportedly had only one functional exit. “It was like a scene from a horror movie,” said one survivor, who requested anonymity. “People were screaming and pushing, trying to get out. I don’t know how I made it.” Another survivor, 19-year-old Maria Taseva, shared the personal toll of the disaster, recounting how she lost her sister in the chaos.
Initial estimates suggest that around 500 people were inside the club at the time of the fire, far exceeding its legal capacity. The lack of adequate fire exits and safety measures has been cited as a critical factor in the high death toll, which includes both locals and tourists, underscoring the international scope of the tragedy.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with early reports pointing to pyrotechnics used during the DNK performance as a possible trigger. Faulty wiring has also been mentioned as a potential factor. The nightclub’s operators and local officials are facing intense scrutiny, with allegations surfacing that the venue may have been operating illegally due to lax oversight and possible bribery. As part of the probe, 15 individuals, including government officials, have been detained on suspicion of corruption.
A History of Neglect
This is not the first time North Macedonia has faced such a tragedy. In 2019, a nightclub fire in the capital, Skopje, claimed 10 lives and injured dozens, prompting promises of reform that critics say have gone unfulfilled. Advocates argue that persistent lax safety regulations and poor enforcement have created a deadly pattern, with the Kocani disaster reigniting calls for accountability and change.
National Mourning and International Response
North Macedonia’s leadership has been quick to respond. President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed profound grief over the loss of so many young lives, declaring a seven-day period of national mourning. The government has pledged a comprehensive review of safety regulations and enforcement practices, though many affected families view these measures as insufficient and overdue.
The tragedy has resonated beyond North Macedonia’s borders, drawing condolences from European leaders and a message of solidarity from Pope Francis. Offers of support have poured in as the nation grapples with the aftermath.
A Call for Change
As the investigation continues, the focus is shifting to ensuring accountability and preventing future disasters. The fire in Kocani serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of regulatory failures and inadequate safety measures. For now, North Macedonia mourns its lost sons and daughters, while the survivors and victims’ families demand answers—and justice.
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