Hundreds mourn the loss of 59 lives in Kocani as investigations reveal serious safety violations at the Pulse nightclub, igniting public outrage over corruption.
Tragedy in North Macedonia: Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives
Tragedy in North Macedonia: Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives
A nation mourns as families pay their respects to the victims of the Kocani nightclub blaze, highlighting safety concerns and alleged corruption.
Thousands of North Macedonians came together this week to mourn the victims of a devastating nightclub fire that claimed the lives of 59 people in Kocani on Sunday. The Pulse club, which was operating without proper safety measures, became the scene of tragedy as a fire broke out, injuring over 160 others, many critically.
The unfortunate incident has raised serious questions about the club's operational legality. Reports indicate that the nightclub had been granted its license illegally, lacked essential safety features like sprinklers, and was housed in a converted carpet warehouse that had only one emergency exit. Eyewitness accounts described the chaos as flames rapidly engulfed the venue, which was said to have been overcrowded with around 500 patrons present, far exceeding the 250 tickets sold.
Public outrage is palpable as authorities have detained over 20 individuals in connection with the club, including officials from the government and law enforcement, alongside the club's manager. As families gathered for funerals nationwide, many carried photos of their lost loved ones, with some revealing their pain behind sunglasses while others openly wept.
In Skopje, approximately 1,000 people attended the funeral of 43-year-old singer Andrej Gorgieski, who was performing during the tragedy. As distress gives way to anger, protests against corrupt practices have erupted across the country. Some individuals have even resorted to vandalism, targeting establishments tied to the nightclub’s owner and demonstrating in front of government buildings.
As the grief extends through the nation, authorities are conducting safety inspections at various entertainment venues, ensuring compliance and accountability. The interior minister highlighted the initial findings, pointing to potential bribery and corruption that may have allowed the nightclub to bypass safety protocols. Many of the injured have been transported to neighboring countries for specialized care, while the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching disaster.
