Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Claims 59 Lives
A devastating fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia has claimed the lives of at least 59 people and injured around 150 others. The country’s interior minister has identified pyrotechnics as the cause of the blaze.
The tragedy occurred at the ‘Pulse’ nightclub in Kochani, located east of the capital Skopje, where hundreds had gathered to enjoy a performance by the local act DNK. The fire ignited in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski addressed the media on Sunday, revealing that on-stage pyrotechnics sparked a fire that rapidly engulfed the club.
“The fire was ignited by pyrotechnics intended for lighting effects during the concert, which triggered the sprinklers,” he explained. “It appears sparks caught on a flammable section of the ceiling, leading the flames to spread swiftly throughout the venue and causing thick smoke.”
Footage captured inside the club showcases a band performing amid pyrotechnic sparks at the front of the stage.
Marija Taseva, a 22-year-old attendee, shared with local channel Kanal 5 how she was caught in the chaos trying to flee the fire. “Everyone was desperate to get out,” she said, recounting how she was knocked to the ground and trampled. In the commotion, she lost contact with her sister, who remains untraceable in any local hospitals.
According to state media MIA, about 152 injured individuals were transported to hospitals nationwide, with many suffering second-degree burns on their hands and faces, as reported by Vlatko Zahariev, head of Shtip’s hospital.
MIA reported that police detained the nightclub’s owner on Sunday. Justice Minister Igor Filkov assured that all responsible parties will face consequences. Four people are being sought by authorities related to the catastrophe.
The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, described the incident as a “difficult and very sad day.”
“The loss of so many young lives is beyond repair, and the grief endured by families, friends, and loved ones is immense,” he expressed via X.
European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa of the European Council, have shared their sympathies on social media.
US Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler, also posted her condolences on X, stating her “heart breaks” for those affected by the tragedy, while pledging US embassy support.
This tragedy ranks among the deadliest nightclub fires in recent history. In 2015, a nightclub in Bucharest, Romania, suffered a similar fate with 64 lives lost. In 2013, a fire in a Brazilian club led to over 240 deaths, also caused by pyrotechnic displays.
This story has been updated with additional information.