International support is pouring in to aid victims of the devastating fire at the "Club Pulse" nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, which claimed at least 59 lives and left over 150 injured. The tragedy occurred during a concert by the local band DNK, when it is believed the sparks from a pyrotechnics machine ignited flammable materials on the ceiling, leading to chaos as approximately 1,500 people attended the event.
Emergency services swiftly acted, and over 140 injured were transported to various hospitals, with 51 of those patients sent abroad for specialized treatment to countries including Austria, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. Timco Mucunski, North Macedonia's Foreign Minister, confirmed plans to airlift another 20 patients soon as the situation remains dire.
Among the critically injured are six young individuals, including four men and two women aged between 16 and 24, who will receive intensive care at hospitals in Vienna and Graz, Austria. These patients were evacuated via three flights, facilitated by the Red Cross and the Austrian Armed Forces, with the first plane landing on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Graz Airport.
Austria's Chancellor, Christian Stocker, expressed solidarity with North Macedonia, stating, “During these difficult times, all of Austria stands firmly by the side of our friends in North Macedonia. I wish all the injured a swift and complete recovery.” The treatment of severe burn victims presents immense challenges due to the complexity of their injuries, and most hospitals in Southeast Europe lack the necessary resources.
The tragic event spotlights significant safety deficiencies at the nightclub. Reports indicate the club had only one exit as the second was reportedly locked, creating perilous conditions for attendees during the fire. Local authorities and the state prosecutor's office have initiated investigations, resulting in multiple arrests. Arrest warrants have been issued for four suspects as the inquiry continues to unravel the cause and accountability surrounding the tragic incident.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing moments as panic ensued. Amidst the chaos, Andrej Lazarov, a 25-year-old professional footballer, tragically lost his life attempting to save others. His club, KF Shkupi, confirmed the news, recognizing him as a hero who put others before himself.
Rescue operations have received bolstered support through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, which has deployed additional assistance, including plans to transport 15 more severely injured patients to locations such as Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, and even countries farther away, like Sweden and Norway. EU Commissioner for Civil Protection, Hadja Lahbib, extended her gratitude to member countries for their rapid response to the crisis.
This disaster highlights the pressing need for stringent safety regulations and enforcement to prevent future tragedies, as the collective grief from this event is felt not only within North Macedonia but across the region as nations unite to support the victims and their families. The coming days will be pivotal as authorities continue to investigate and seek justice for the victims as well as accountability for the circumstances leading to this disaster.
