Tragedy struck the small town of Kocani, Macedonia, during the early hours of March 16, 2025, when at least 59 people perished and over 150 were injured following a catastrophic fire at the Pulse discotheque. This horrific incident occurred during a concert by DNK, one of the country's most popular hip-hop groups, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees.
According to Pance Toskovski, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the fire broke out around 3:00 AM. Initial reports suggest it may have been ignited by sparks from pyrotechnics used during the concert. These sparks likely set off flames by reaching the nightclub's easily flammable ceiling, resulting in rapid flames and thick smoke filling the venue.
"Very likely, the sparks reached the ceiling, and within a short time, the fire spread throughout the discotheque, resulting in the thick smoke," Toskovski elaborated during a press briefing on the tragic night.
Following the blaze, authorities were quick to respond, with emergency services arriving on the scene. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes filled with panic as concert-goers rushed to escape. "Everyone started running outside. Each was searching for means to save themselves," recounted Marija, a 20-year-old attendee who managed to exit but is still searching for her sister.
Reports of the victims have been sobering. Among the deceased, as per the latest update, 35 have been identified with 31 hailing from Kocani and Stip. The victims were predominantly young, aged between 14 to 25 years old, reflecting the concert's appeal to the youth demographic. This tragic event has left families shattered as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
One of the performers, DNK's member Vladimir Blazev, suffered severe facial burns and required respiratory assistance. His sister expressed the family’s anxiety as they await more information about his recovery.
Authorities have since issued four arrest warrants connected to the incident, though details about those targeted remain undisclosed. This action highlights the seriousness with which the government is treating the investigation following the shocking scale of the disaster.
Stojanche Angelov, Director of the Crisis Management Center, confirmed preparations to transport seriously injured individuals to specialized hospitals across Europe. "We are making arrangements for those gravely injured to be moved to premier hospitals," he announced.
"This is a very difficult and sad day for Macedonia," said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on social media. He described the loss of young lives as irreparable and extended condolences to the bereaved families: "The pain felt by families, friends, and relatives is unimaginable. We will do everything possible to ease their suffering during this immensely tough time."
The incident has drawn condolences and offers of assistance from neighboring countries. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov has characterized the incident as "an immense human tragedy" and proposed assistance for the injured. He stated, "I have ordered full preparations for receiving them, activating our air force resources to assist with their care."
Similarly, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama pledged thorough support and stated Albania could provide any necessary assistance. Greece also expressed readiness to offer help during these challenging times. European Union officials shared their sympathy, with Kaja Kallas, the European Commissioner for Justice, expressing her deep sadness over the tragedy and reiteration of EU support to the people of North Macedonia.
This incident is reminiscent of another recent tragedy, wherein 14 people lost their lives due to fire at Tetovo’s COVID-19 unit, marking significant tragedies within the country's history.
The investigation is still underway, and officials are urging calm as they work to piece together the events and offer support to the victims’ families during this unbelievably dark time.