A fire has torn through the overcrowded Club Pulse early Sunday morning, 16 March, in the eastern town of Kocani, leaving 59 people dead and 155 injured from burns, smoke inhalation and being trampled in the panicked escape toward the building’s single exit.
Although the investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, videos showed sparkling pyrotechnics on the stage hitting Club Pulse’s ceiling and igniting the blaze as a band played.
People as young as 16 were among the casualties and the nation has since declared seven days of mourning.
President, North Macedonia, Gordana Davkova Siljanovska’s statement
North Macedonian President, Gordana Davkova Siljanovska said in an address to the nation on the night after the incident: “We are all in shock, and I am shocked myself: as a mother, as a person, as a President”.
“I still cannot believe that the terrible tragedy in Kocani is a reality. I do not know with what words to express my condolences to the parents and loved ones of the deceased.
“No one responsible should escape the law, justice and punishment! Let us not allow anyone to endanger the lives of innocent people anymore.”
Allegation of bribery surrounding nightclub
Authorities say they are investigating allegations of bribery surrounding the nightclub that was crammed with young revelers and at double capacity.
The North Macedonia’s government has now ordered a sweeping three-day inspection to be carried out at all nightclubs and cabarets across the country.
The fire caused the roof of the single-story building to partially collapse, revealing the charred remains of wooden beams and debris.
Families speak out
Anxious parents gathered outside hospitals in Kocani and the capital Skopje, some 115 kilometers (72 miles) west, for updates about the injured.
Waiting outside the hospital in Kocani, Dragi Stojanov was among those who received the dreaded news that his 21-year-old son Tomce had perished.
He told reporters: “He was my only child. I don’t need my life anymore. … 150 families have been devastated.
“Children burnt beyond recognition. There are corpses, just corpses inside (the club). … And the bosses (of organized crime), just putting money into their pockets.”
Health Minister, North Macedonia, Arben Taravari’s statement
Health Minister Arben Taravari said: “Flags around the country have been lowered to half-staff and the death toll may rise further, with 20 of the injured in critical condition.”
Officials have said that neighboring and nearby countries, such as Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Turkey, have already accepted many of those with the most serious injuries, while the government was in talks with several other countries to expand the hospital transfers.
Taravari shared, noting that several countries ere also sending medical teams to North Macedonia: “All patients who have been transferred abroad are currently in stable condition. We hope it stays that way and that we will receive positive news from abroad.”
Safety code violations in the club
19-year-old Marija Taseva said: “We even tried to get out through the bathroom, only to find bars (on the windows).”
“I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and they ran over me, trampled me. … I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe.” She suffered an injury to her face.
Preliminary inspection
A state prosecutor said a preliminary inspection of the nightclub had revealed numerous safety code violations including a lack of emergency exits, an insufficient number of fire extinguishers and improper access for emergency vehicles, among others.
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said 15 people had been detained for questioning after a preliminary inspection revealed the club was operating without a proper license. He said the number of people inside the club was at least double its official capacity of 250.
North Macedonia in mourning after a nightclub fire: Summary
A fire in a nightclub in the eastern town of Kocani, North Macedonia, has left 59 fatally injured and an additional 155 injured from the burns.
Health Minister Arben Taravari said that flags around the country have been lowered to half-staff, as the country introduces seven days of official mourning.