A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, has left at least 59 people dead and more than 150 injured. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Fire Breaks Out During Concert
The fire erupted around 3 a.m. on Sunday at the Pulse club, a popular nightclub located about 100 km east of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. The venue was packed with people attending a concert by the band DNK when pyrotechnics were set off inside the club.
Videos posted online show “stage fountains”—a type of indoor fireworks—being used during the performance. Sparks from the fireworks ignited the highly flammable ceiling material, causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the building. Thick smoke filled the club within minutes, making it difficult for people to escape.
Eyewitnesses recalled scenes of chaos and panic as clubgoers tried to flee. Some managed to break windows to get out, while others were trapped inside. Videos from the scene show the nightclub engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky.
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Authorities Respond
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed the death toll and stated that emergency teams worked through the night to control the situation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs later announced that four individuals had been identified and arrest warrants were issued in connection with the fire.
The government is expected to declare a seven-day mourning period, according to local reports. Additionally, authorities are ordering emergency inspections of all nightclubs and restaurants that host public gatherings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Town in Mourning
Residents of Kocani are in shock and grief following the tragedy. The town, known for its close-knit community, has been deeply affected.
Al Jazeera’s Maja Blajevska, reporting from the scene, described the devastating impact on the town. “This is a huge tragedy for Kocani, but also for the entire country,” she said. Many parents are still searching for their children, desperately hoping for news of their loved ones.
Concerns Over Safety Regulations
The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety regulations in entertainment venues. Many are questioning whether the use of pyrotechnics indoors was properly regulated and whether the club had adequate fire safety measures in place.
Authorities are now under pressure to enforce stricter safety checks to prevent future tragedies. The nightclub industry, particularly in smaller towns, is expected to face tighter regulations and increased scrutiny in the coming weeks.
As the country mourns, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families, ensuring proper accountability, and preventing similar disasters in the future.
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