SKOPJE – A tragic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, during the early hours of Sunday, March 16, 2025, has left the nation devastated. The inferno claimed the lives of at least 59 young people and injured more than 150. The fire broke out around 2:30 AM during a concert by the popular hip-hop duo DNK, drawing about 500 attendees. Eyewitness accounts and videos posted online show chaotic scenes as sparks ignited the ceiling, prompting panic as concert-goers attempted to evacuate through the venue's only exit.
Following the catastrophe, North Macedonia declared seven days of national mourning. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova expressed her condolences, stating, “None of those responsible this time will evade the law, justice and punishment… Never again sacrifice the standards and safety of people for the profit and wealth of individuals. Nothing is more valuable than human life, especially a young life.” Her sentiments echoed the grief felt across the nation as citizens gathered at memorials and vigils.
The Ministry of Interior reported on March 17, 2025, the detention of 15 individuals, including former state officials, as part of the investigation. Among the detainees is former Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi, who was implicated for allegedly issuing the nightclub’s license illegally. Investigations revealed the nightclub was operating above its legal capacity of 250, with officials estimating up to 1,000 attendees present during the night of the tragedy.
Interior Minister Panče Toškovski highlighted serious safety violations, stating the nightclub lacked emergency exits and had insufficient fire extinguishers. “The number of people inside the club was at least double its official capacity,” he noted, underscoring negligence and corruption within the government systems responsible for regulating such establishments. Initial reports indicated pyrotechnics likely ignited flammable materials on the ceiling, leading to the rapid spread of fire and smoke.
The grievous toll of the fire extends beyond immediate fatalities. Health Minister Arben Taravari reported many of the injured remain critically wounded, with dozens requiring transfer to specialized medical facilities across neighboring countries like Greece, Serbia, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Some survivors recounted harrowing experiences of smoke inhalation and burns, as they scrambled to escape the suffocative smoke and flames.
On March 17, protests erupted across the nation, fueled by public anger directed at the systemic corruption believed to have contributed to the tragedy. Demonstrators gathered at Macedonia Square, calling for justice and accountability. “I want everyone who helped this place carry on with its business to be jailed,” said Jovan, a 16-year-old protestor who lost friends to the blaze. The protests converged at Kočani, where individuals mourned fiercely for the friends and family they lost.
Emotions ran high as students and citizens lit candles and laid flowers at makeshift shrines, demanding comprehensive reform of the safety laws governing such venues. The protests captured widespread sentiments of disillusionment, as many decried the perceived neglect by officials to uphold safety regulations and protect citizens. “We cannot be silent all the time, no matter how afraid we are,” shouted Angela Zumbakova, 19, among the rallying crowd.
The mayor of Kočani, Ljupčo Papazov, announced his resignation following the outrage and the tragic events. Papazov, who faced scrutiny over the nightclub operations, stated, “I cannot continue to serve the community under these circumstances. This loss is unimaginable.”
Across the region, neighboring countries responded to the crisis with offers of medical support. Turkish officials confirmed the urgent evacuation of nine critically injured victims to specialized burn centers. Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu expressed sympathy, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn about those who lost their lives and were injured.” Support was also pledged by governmental leaders from Albania and Greece, as well as condolences from various European leaders.
News of the tragedy not only highlights the immediate need for accountability but also raises broader questions about the safety measures at entertainment venues across North Macedonia. Investigations continue to sift through layers of bureaucratic neglect and regulatory failures as families seek answers and healing. International support has poured in, with offers of assistance, reinforcing the notion of unity during this sorrowful period.
Looking forward, as the nation grapples with loss and anger, the tragic outcome of the Pulse nightclub fire has unleashed calls for widespread reforms. Citizens yearn for safety, transparency, and justice to prevent such preventable disasters from recurring. The legacy of the victims and the voice of those advocating for change will undoubtedly resonate within North Macedonia for years to come, as they navigate the path to recovery, healing, and accountability.
