Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Claims 59 Lives

The death toll from the devastating fire at a nightclub in the city of Kočani, North Macedonia, has risen to 59. Authorities have detained 10 individuals in connection with the incident, including officials from the relevant ministries who had allegedly granted illegal permits for the club’s operation.

The fire broke out at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kočani, located about 100 kilometers east of the capital Skopje, around 2:30 AM on Sunday, March 16. At the time, a concert by the popular hip-hop band DNK was ongoing, with nearly 500 people present.

Biljana Arsovska, spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed that the 10 detained individuals included ministry officials who had unlawfully authorized the club. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire started from pyrotechnic devices used during the concert. Two flares ignited on stage, and sparks from them spread to the ceiling, causing a catastrophic blaze.

Footage from the incident shows concertgoers using their mobile phones to capture videos of the fire, while others attempted to extinguish the flames. However, the chaotic situation worsened due to the lack of proper exits.

Mustafa Saidov, a volunteer with the Red Cross, stated that most of the victims were young people aged 18-20. At least three of the deceased were under 18 years old. North Macedonian Prime Minister, Kristijan Mickoski , called the incident “an extremely tragic day,” and the government has declared a seven-day national mourning period while holding an emergency meeting.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the people of North Macedonia, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić described the fire as “a huge tragedy,” adding that many of the injured may not survive.