The recent nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, has left the nation reeling with grief, as survivors and family members share their heartbreaking stories following the tragic incident that killed 59 attendees and injured 155 others.
Tragedy Strikes North Macedonia: Deadly Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives
Tragedy Strikes North Macedonia: Deadly Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives
Nation mourns as survivors recount horrifying details of the Kocani nightclub blaze.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a fire erupted at the Pulse club during a performance by local hip-hop duo DNK. Marija Taseva, a 19-year-old survivor, recounted the chaos: “Everyone started screaming and shouting 'get out, get out!'” Fleeing the flames, she struggled to escape the overwhelming crowd, ultimately surviving while tragically losing her sister in the inferno.
Reports indicate that the venue, which previously operated as a carpet warehouse, did not have a legal license and was deemed an “improvised nightclub.” Interior Minister Pance Toskovski stated that the fire started due to sparks from pyrotechnics igniting flammable materials in the ceiling. With only one viable exit available for approximately 500 patrons, a stampede ensued, resulting in numerous fatalities from injuries sustained while trying to escape.
Many victims' families expressed their despair in the aftermath of the fire. An emotional Dragi Stojanov, who lost his only child, poignantly declared, “Let me tell you in front of everybody. Film me. I am a dead man, I lost everything.” He urged for accountability for those responsible, echoing the sentiments of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who emphasized the need for justice.
The situation has drawn anger from the public, who demand answers surrounding the circumstances that allowed such a disaster to occur. Ongoing investigations have led to the arrest of ten suspects, including officials linked to the venue's operation.
As the government declares seven days of national mourning, survivors receive treatment for severe injuries, with some being transferred to medical facilities in neighboring countries. The tragedy has sparked outrage and sorrow throughout North Macedonia, as an entire generation of young lives has been affected, leaving families and the nation to grapple with this devastating loss.
Reports indicate that the venue, which previously operated as a carpet warehouse, did not have a legal license and was deemed an “improvised nightclub.” Interior Minister Pance Toskovski stated that the fire started due to sparks from pyrotechnics igniting flammable materials in the ceiling. With only one viable exit available for approximately 500 patrons, a stampede ensued, resulting in numerous fatalities from injuries sustained while trying to escape.
Many victims' families expressed their despair in the aftermath of the fire. An emotional Dragi Stojanov, who lost his only child, poignantly declared, “Let me tell you in front of everybody. Film me. I am a dead man, I lost everything.” He urged for accountability for those responsible, echoing the sentiments of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who emphasized the need for justice.
The situation has drawn anger from the public, who demand answers surrounding the circumstances that allowed such a disaster to occur. Ongoing investigations have led to the arrest of ten suspects, including officials linked to the venue's operation.
As the government declares seven days of national mourning, survivors receive treatment for severe injuries, with some being transferred to medical facilities in neighboring countries. The tragedy has sparked outrage and sorrow throughout North Macedonia, as an entire generation of young lives has been affected, leaving families and the nation to grapple with this devastating loss.
