A devastating fire tore through a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of at least 59 people and leaving 18 critically injured. Authorities have detained 15 individuals in connection with the incident, amid suspicions of bribery and corruption tied to the tragic event. The blaze erupted around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT) at the Pulse club, where approximately 500 people had gathered for a concert by the band DNK.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski announced that the detained individuals would face questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Toskovski highlighted "grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption" related to the fire, raising concerns about safety compliance at the venue. Initial inspections revealed several "abnormalities," including a locked back door that obstructed escape routes during the emergency, according to Biljana Arsovska, spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office.
The chaotic scene inside the club was described by Marija Taseva, a 20-year-old survivor who shared her harrowing experience with Channel 5 TV.
"I don't know how, but somehow I managed to get out," said Marija Taseva.
The fire has left a profound impact on the community, with more than 20 of the injured and three of those killed being under 18 years old. Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov emphasized the tragedy's toll on young people.
"The situation is brutal, chaotic, the stories are very sad, and unfortunately many young lives are lost," Mustafa Saidov reported.
Efforts to treat the most seriously injured are underway, with patients being transferred to specialist clinics in neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey. However, hospital staff initially struggled to identify patients due to a lack of identification cards, according to the hospital director in Kocani.
Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova underscored the importance of adhering to safety standards and regulations in light of the disaster.
"No business or activity can function without standards and rules," stated Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
The European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen expressed solidarity with North Macedonia during this difficult time.
"The EU stands in solidarity with the people of North Macedonia in this difficult time," Ursula Von Der Leyen conveyed.
Investigations continue as authorities piece together what led to such a catastrophic loss of life. Biljana Arsovska noted deficiencies in both fire-extinguishing systems and lightning systems at the venue.
"Deficiencies in the system for fire-extinguishing and the system for lightning," Biljana Arsovska pointed out.
Only one member of the band DNK survived the tragedy and is currently receiving medical treatment, as reported by a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office. This incident has prompted the government to declare seven days of national mourning as the nation grapples with its grief and seeks accountability.
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