Sporadic violence erupted across North Macedonia as thousands of citizens took to the streets, calling for justice after 59 people tragically lost their lives during a nightclub fire on March 16, 2025. The deadly incident, which also injured over 150 others, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability, as many attribute the calamity to rampant corruption.
The fire broke out at around 3 AM local time at the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kocani during a hip-hop concert. Eyewitnesses reported moments of chaos as sparks from flares ignited the ceiling, causing flames to quickly engulf the venue. The club, described as having been previously used as a carpet warehouse, was illegal and lacked fundamental safety measures such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Eyewitnesses also described the club’s single emergency exit, which was reportedly locked during the event, complicates the escape efforts of concert attendees.
Residents of Kocani were shattered by the tragedy, with bulldozers making fresh graves in the town’s cemetery just the day after the fire. On March 17, mourners gathered at Kocani’s central square to pay their respects, lighting candles and placing messages of condolence for the deceased. Jovan, a 16-year-old who lost a friend mentioned, “I want everyone who helped this place carry on with its business to be jailed. We need change because this is a corrupt country.” His sentiments reflect the larger feeling of injustice permeated throughout the protests.
The protest quickly escalated, with participants holding placards bearing slogans like: “We are not dying from accidents; we are dying from corruption” and “Everything is legal here if you have connections.” Groups clashed with police during the unrest, with some vandalizing pubs believed to be linked to the owner of the Pulse nightclub and others throwing stones. These actions highlight the deep-seated frustrations of citizens facing governmental inadequacies.
North Macedonia’s prosecutor, Ljupco Kocevski, later confirmed the state of the nightclub, stating: “It did not have two exit doors, but only one single improvised metal door at the back of the building, which was locked and without a handle on the inside.” The repercussions of the fire caused the economy ministry to announce it had issued the nightclub's license illegally. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
The club's unsafe conditions were alarming, with the ceiling comprised of flammable materials and walls lacking fire-resistant qualities. Many citizens voiced concern about the failure of authorities to enforce safety regulations, with area schoolteacher Sasa Djenic commenting, “(The nightclub) operated in substandard conditions. It does not have this and other safety measures, and people were making money from it.”
A wave of investigations and arrests commenced shortly after the blaze, with approximately 20 individuals—including government officials and the nightclub’s manager—taken in for questioning. Kocevski announced, “The individuals acted contrary to regulations and technical rules of the protection measures and thereby caused danger to the life and work of people on a large scale.” This collective response hints at wider recognition of issues needing addressing within the nation.
Meanwhile, as citizens mourned their loved ones, national flags across North Macedonia were lowered to half-mast. Memorials are being planned throughout the country to honor those who perished during the tragic incident. The emotional wounds run deep, compounded by reports of victims receiving treatment across hospitals in Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey as specialists from various nations arrived to assist local medical staff, tackling the overwhelming number of injured.
51 victims have already been treated abroad, and more transfers to facilities in Croatia and Romania are anticipated as authorities continue to coordinate medical resources. The support from neighboring countries underlines the severity of the disaster, with citizens embracing solidarity during these difficult times.
With the fire being labeled as one of the worst disasters North Macedonia has seen, calls for systemic change are becoming louder, shimmering above the backdrop of grief. Local advocates assert the need for stronger regulations to prevent such tragedies from recurring, and citizens are rallying behind the idea of resilience and transformation. The aftershocks of this disaster highlight the fragility of safety protocols within venues, pressing the community to demand transformation and appropriate action against systemic corruption.
The Pulse nightclub fire will likely not be forgotten quickly. Authorities and community members alike seem more determined to seek justice for the victims and institute measures ensuring safety for all citizens. Moving forward, the hope is to engender lasting change and prevent similar tragic incidents from ever happening again.
