North Macedonia Detains Officials Following Tragic Nightclub Fire

In North Macedonia, a deadly nightclub fire that resulted in at least 59 fatalities and over 150 injuries has sparked an official investigation into misconduct related to the venue's operations. As families mourn their loved ones and others wait for updates at hospitals, authorities have discovered that Club Pulse was running with an illegally issued hospitality permit and inadequate escape routes. The blaze erupted during a concert due to fireworks igniting the building's roof. Ljupco Kocevski, the public prosecutor, revealed that the nightclub was registered as an industrial site but secured a hospitality license from the economy ministry. Former economy minister Kreshnik Bekteshi is among several officials summoned for questioning in connection with the permit's controversial issuance, which Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described as potentially corrupt. Mickoski pledged rigorous accountability, expressing the deep sorrow felt across the nation.

North Macedonia's Prime Minister: "I will have no mercy on those responsible."