59 dead, over 155 injured in fire at North Macedonia Nightclub
The recent reports from North Macedonia indicate that the actual death toll from the nightclub fire is higher than initially stated. Here is a summary of the incident:
Incident Details
Location: The fire occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, a town approximately 100 kilometers east of Skopje, North Macedonia.
Time: The blaze started around 02:30 local time during a concert by the hip-hop duo DNK.
Cause: Pyrotechnics used during the concert ignited the fire, which quickly spread due to the highly combustible materials in the ceiling.
Casualties: At least 59 people have died, and over 155 have been injured, with some reports indicating more than 100 injuries initially.
Victim Profiles: Among the victims and injured, several were minors, with more than 20 injured and three deceased under the age of 18.
Response and Investigation
Detentions: Authorities have detained multiple individuals, including some linked to the nightclub and government officials, as part of an investigation into potential corruption and bribery related to the fire.
Government Response: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has expressed deep sorrow and called for immediate action to support affected families and aid the injured.
International Support: Neighboring countries have offered assistance in response to the tragedy.
Venue Conditions: The Pulse nightclub was operating without a valid license and was described as an “improvised nightclub” in local media, having been converted from a carpet warehouse.
