Devastating Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Claims 59 Lives
Authorities in North Macedonia are investigating a catastrophic fire that tore through the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kochani, killing 59 people and injuring over 150.
The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of Sunday morning, is suspected to have been triggered by on-stage pyrotechnics during a live concert.
The nightclub, located east of the capital Skopje, was filled with approximately 500 people when the fire broke out at around 3 a.m. Video footage from the scene appears to show sparks from stage effects igniting the ceiling, which was reportedly made of highly flammable material. Within moments, thick smoke and flames engulfed the venue, leading to panic as people desperately tried to escape.
Many victims were tragically crushed in the stampede to flee the burning building. Witnesses described the chaos, with concert-goers screaming and struggling to find an exit. Marija Taseva, a 22-year-old survivor, recounted her terrifying experience:
“Everyone started shouting, ‘Get out, get out!’ I fell to the ground, and people stepped on me. My sister didn’t make it out. She died.”
According to Dr. Kristina Serafimova, head of Kochani General Hospital, most of the victims were between 16 and 24 years old. Among the deceased was popular musician Andrej Gjorgieski, a lead singer of the performing band DNK, as well as football player Andrej Lazarov, whose club, FC Shkupi, confirmed his passing.
Medical teams across North Macedonia are treating the wounded, with at least 27 of the most critically injured victims being sent abroad for advanced care. Many survivors suffered severe burns and carbon monoxide poisoning, requiring intensive treatment.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the fire, with Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski revealing that the nightclub’s license was issued illegally. By late Sunday, around 20 people had been arrested, including the venue owner, the son of the owner, several band members, and government officials suspected of involvement in corruption linked to the nightclub’s operation.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski vowed that those responsible would face justice.
“Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party or profession—there will be no mercy,” he stated, as he declared seven days of national mourning.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences from leaders worldwide. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa expressed their sympathies, while Pope Francis extended his deep condolences to the victims’ families.
Angela Aggeler, the US ambassador to North Macedonia, offered assistance on behalf of the US embassy, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that Israeli medical teams would be dispatched to aid in treating the injured.
The Pulse nightclub disaster is one of the deadliest fires of its kind in recent years. Similar tragedies have occurred worldwide, including the 2015 fire in a Bucharest nightclub that killed 64 people and the 2013 incident in Santa Maria, Brazil, where over 240 lives were lost due to pyrotechnics igniting a blaze.
