A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, claimed the lives of at least 51 people and left more than 100 injured. The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. local time at the Pulse club, located about 100 kilometers east of the capital, Skopje. Reports indicate that nearly 1,500 people were inside the venue attending a concert by DNK, a well-known hip-hop duo in the country. According to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, preliminary findings suggest that the fire was ignited by pyrotechnic devices used during the performance. Sparks from these devices reached the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable materials, causing the flames to spread rapidly throughout the building. Footage shared on social media captured the terrifying moment when the fire erupted, showing concertgoers scrambling for safety as thick smoke engulfed the venue. Authorities have already made some arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, calling it a "difficult and very sad day" for North Macedonia. In a statement posted on social media, he assured the public that the government is fully mobilized to address the aftermath of the fire and investigate its causes. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and local hospitals quickly became overwhelmed with victims suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. The hospital in Kocani initially reported 90 admissions, but as the severity of injuries became apparent, several patients were transferred to larger medical facilities in Skopje for specialized care. Witnesses described the chaotic evacuation efforts, with many struggling to escape through narrow exits as the flames intensified. The lack of adequate fire safety measures at the club has raised serious concerns, prompting calls for stricter regulations on event venues to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, with families mourning the loss of loved ones and the community rallying to support the injured. Investigators are now focusing on whether safety protocols were violated and if the club was equipped with necessary fire prevention systems. The rapid spread of the fire suggests that proper safety measures may not have been in place, exacerbating the scale of the disaster. Public outcry has mounted, demanding accountability for those responsible. In response, the government has pledged to tighten safety regulations for entertainment venues and review fire prevention policies across the country. As North Macedonia grapples with this heartbreaking loss, officials are emphasizing the need for improved emergency preparedness to ensure that such an incident never happens again. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of strict fire safety enforcement and the devastating consequences of negligence in public venues.
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