A fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in one of the worst tragedies in recent memory, killing at least 59 young people and injuring more than 150 others. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, around 3:00 AM local time, during a concert attended by approximately 1,500 individuals, predominantly aged between 14 and 27.
According to North Macedonian Interior Minister Pance Toshkovski, the fire was triggered by pyrotechnic devices used as part of the live performance. “Sparks caused the fire, and it spread through the discotheque,” he stated at the press conference, detailing the initial reports from first responders.
The victims were primarily aged between 18 and 23, including one police officer who was on duty at the event. Dr. Kristina Serafimova, head of the Kocani General Hospital, reported to ABC News, “Those who perished were killed by smoke inhalation, burns, and a stampede triggered by the fire.” She confirmed the nightclub had only one exit, impeding the evacuation process.
Among the injured, around 27 were reported with severe burn injuries and have been hospitalized at Skopje City Hospital. An additional 23 are receiving treatment at the Clinical Center, with some patients being transferred to hospitals abroad for higher care.
Survivors described chaotic scenes as the flames engulfed the venue. A 22-year-old survivor, Marija Taseva, recounted the panic: "Everyone was trying to save themselves," she said, depicting the tragic moments as attendees rushed for the singular exit. Some were left injured during the stampede, with Taseva herself sustaining injuries when she fell and was trampled.
Local authorities have launched investigations, and arrest warrants have been issued for four people connected to the incident. Minister Toshkovski confirmed one individual has already been arrested. Witness videos showed the deadly sparks from stage flares igniting the nightclub's ceiling moments before disaster struck.
The North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, expressing heartbreak for the loss, commented, “The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.”
International figures have also expressed their condolences. Pope Francis conveyed his deep sorrow through the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who emphasized the need for prayers and support for the injured and families affected, saying it was imperative to address the devastation from such hardships.
Following the tragedy, the Serbian government announced March 18 as a national day of mourning to honor the victims. Various leaders have sent messages of sympathy and solidarity to North Macedonia during this difficult time.
This incident adds to the grim history of nightclub fires around the world. Alarmingly, the Kocani nightclub tragedy joins the ranks of significant past events, such as the 2003 Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island, which resulted in 100 fatalities, and the Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil, which claimed over 200 lives.
What will become of the investigation and potential accountability remains uncertain. Health organizations and relevant authorities have been urged to take immediate action following the incident. “We are mobilizing all necessary resources to offer assistance and support,” reiterated Prime Minister Mickoski.
The families of the victims who were attending the concert are now faced with unimaginable grief and uncertainty. Efforts are underway to identify the victims, as Dr. Serafimova reported only about half of those who perished were carrying identification, complicate the identification process.
Investigators believe the fire may have resulted from negligence, but the formal cause will only be confirmed as the inquiry progresses. Until then, Kocani mourns its young and vibrant souls lost, as the community pulls together to support each other through days of mourning and recovery.
Local officials are urging any witnesses to come forward to assist authorities in piecing together the tragic sequence of events. Amidst such devastation, Kocani's residents extend thoughts and prayers to those who endured the horrors of the inferno.