North Macedonia is grappling with the tragic loss of dozens of young lives in a nightclub inferno while working to hold those responsible accountable and prevent another such catastrophe.
A fire tore through the overcrowded Club Pulse early Sunday in the eastern town of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring 155 from burns, smoke inhalation, and trampling as panicked attendees rushed toward the building’s single exit.
Although the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, video footage shows sparkling pyrotechnics on the stage hitting the club’s ceiling, igniting the blaze while a band played.
Among the casualties were people as young as 16, prompting the government to declare seven days of mourning.
In a national address on Sunday night, North Macedonian President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska expressed shock and grief over the tragedy.
“We are all in shock, and I am shocked myself: as a mother, as a person, and as a president,” she stated.
“I still cannot believe that this terrible tragedy in Kocani has happened. I do not know how to express my condolences to the parents and loved ones of the deceased,” she continued. “No one responsible should escape the law, justice, or punishment! We must ensure that no one endangers the lives of innocent people again.”
Bribery and Corruption Suspicions
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski announced that 15 people have been detained for questioning following a preliminary inspection, which revealed that Club Pulse was operating without a proper license.
Authorities suspect bribery and corruption allowed the nightclub to remain open despite clear safety violations.
“We have grounds for suspicion that bribery and corruption were involved in this case,” Toshkovski told reporters, though he did not elaborate further.
In response to the tragedy, North Macedonia’s government has launched a sweeping three-day inspection of all nightclubs and cabarets across the country, beginning Monday.
Authorities are also investigating whether lax enforcement of safety regulations contributed to the disaster, and whether other venues pose similar risks.
