Kocani, North Macedonia – March 17 – A devastating fire that claimed the lives of 59 people at a nightclub in Kocani has left the town in mourning and sparked widespread protests. The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, has reignited public anger over corruption and negligence, as authorities confirm that the venue was operating without proper safety measures.
A Town in Grief
The nightclub, known as “Pulse,” caught fire around 3 a.m. during a hip-hop concert, trapping hundreds of people inside. The blaze is believed to have started when flares ignited part of the ceiling, quickly spreading flames throughout the building. As panicked concertgoers rushed toward the only available exit, the lack of proper emergency routes turned the venue into a death trap.
By Monday, grief had turned to outrage. In the town cemetery, rows of fresh graves were being dug as families prepared to bury their loved ones. At the local hospital, desperate relatives queued to provide DNA samples, hoping for closure as authorities worked to identify the victims.
Protests and Calls for Accountability
In response to the tragedy, thousands of citizens gathered in Kocani’s central square, demanding justice. Many carried signs reading, “We are not dying from accidents; we are dying from corruption.” The atmosphere was heavy with grief as people lit candles and shared messages of condolence.
Among the protesters was Jovan, a 16-year-old who lost a friend in the fire. “This wasn’t just an accident,” he said. “People let this happen by ignoring the rules. Those responsible should go to jail.”
Demonstrations also spread to the capital, Skopje, where hundreds of people held a vigil. However, tensions escalated when a group of angry demonstrators attacked a pub that was reportedly linked to the same owner as the nightclub. Later, protesters gathered outside the mayor’s home, smashing windows and throwing rocks, while a grieving family next door watched in silence.
A Venue Unfit for Use
Authorities have since revealed shocking details about the club’s safety violations. Originally a carpet warehouse, the building had been repurposed into a nightclub but failed to meet even basic fire safety standards. Investigators confirmed that the venue lacked an active fire alarm system, had only two fire extinguishers, and was missing essential emergency exits.
State prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski stated that the building had only one emergency exit, a metal door located at the back. However, it was locked and had no handle on the inside, making it impossible for people to escape.
Further investigations revealed that the ceiling contained highly flammable materials and that the plasterboard walls were not fire-resistant. Photos from the aftermath showed a charred and partially collapsed roof, blackened wooden beams, and extensive damage throughout the club.
Sasa Djenic, a local schoolteacher, described the harrowing escape of her 15-year-old daughter, who suffered burns on her arms. “They were trapped inside a death trap. How was this place even allowed to operate?” she asked.
Families Seek Justice
For many grieving families, the pain of loss has been compounded by the knowledge that this disaster could have been prevented. Draghi Stojanov, whose son perished in the fire, struggled to find words. “My only child is gone. What do I have left to live for?” he said through tears.
Authorities have moved quickly to detain those linked to the tragedy. Nearly 20 individuals, including government officials and the club’s management, have been arrested. Prosecutors are pursuing charges related to public safety violations, negligence, and corruption.
“The evidence shows that several people ignored safety regulations, endangering hundreds of lives,” Kocevski stated.
Government Pledges Action
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski acknowledged that the club’s operating license had been obtained illegally and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The former economy minister, Kreshnik Bekteshi, has been questioned by law enforcement, and further investigations are underway to identify all individuals involved in the licensing process.
In the aftermath of the disaster, hospitals in Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey have taken in dozens of injured survivors. Specialists from Serbia, the Czech Republic, and Israel arrived in North Macedonia on Monday to assist in treating the burn victims. Authorities are also making arrangements to transfer more patients to medical facilities in Croatia and Romania.
A Tragedy That Must Not Be Repeated
The nightclub fire in Kocani stands as one of the worst disasters in North Macedonia’s recent history. For many, it is a tragic reminder of the consequences of corruption and weak enforcement of safety regulations. As investigations continue and protests grow, the citizens of Kocani and beyond remain determined to ensure that justice is served—and that such a catastrophe never happens again.