Tragedy Strikes North Macedonia as Thousands Mourn Nightclub Fire Victims

The Kocani community faces profound loss and protests over safety regulations following the devastating fire.

Thousands of mourners filled cemeteries across North Macedonia on Thursday, paying final respects to the 59 victims of a nightclub fire that has left the nation in shock. The tragedy unfolded in the small town of Kocani at the Pulse club, where a blaze erupted late Sunday, injuring many more and revealing grave safety violations surrounding the venue's operation.

Reports indicate that the Pulse club, a converted carpet warehouse, lacked essential safety measures such as sprinklers, and infamously had its only emergency exit locked at the time of the fire. Investigators are now probing corrupt practices allowing such establishments to continue operating unlawfully, leading to the detention of over 20 individuals, including governmental and law enforcement officials.

On a profoundly somber day, Kocani witnessed lengthy funeral processions as families held photographs of their lost loved ones. Many mourners, including young teenagers, struggled to cope with their grief. The burials were accompanied by an Orthodox Church service in the town's cemetery, highlighting the communal sorrow that has gripped this small population of under 30,000.

In Skopje, approximately 1,000 citizens gathered to honor Andrej Gorgieski, a 43-year-old musician from the band DNK, who tragically lost his life during the fire while performing at the club. Outrage against the circumstances that allowed the incident to occur has sparked widespread protests, with citizens voicing their demands for accountability regarding corruption leading to the club's illegal operations.

In response to the escalating anger and demands for justice, the government has initiated inspections of cafes and nightclubs across the nation, as safety regulations come under intense scrutiny. The swift response from authorities follows Interior Minister Pance Toskovski's statement, noting that 500 patrons were inside the club at the time of the tragedy, well exceeding the 250-capacity limit, and that the fire alarmingly spread due to highly flammable materials in the club's ceiling.

Meanwhile, more than 160 individuals were injured in the catastrophe, with 45 requiring critical care and being transported to hospitals in neighboring countries for specialized treatment. The outpouring of grief continues to remind the nation of the lives lost and the pressing need for systemic change to improve public safety standards.