A devastating incident in North Macedonia has resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals and left 155 others injured after a fire erupted at a nightclub in the eastern part of the country. This tragic event has evoked global condolences while also highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption within the Balkan nation.

The fire broke out in a packed nightclub in Kočani late Saturday night, leading to numerous casualties, predominantly among young attendees. Many of the injured suffered from burns, smoke inhalation, and injuries sustained during a frantic stampede as patrons attempted to escape through the sole exit, according to officials.

In the wake of the disaster, authorities have apprehended nearly 20 individuals, including government officials and the manager of the Puls nightclub, which Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski revealed was operating under a counterfeit license granted by the prior administration through bribery.

“I have information that the site of the tragedy possessed a falsified license issued in March 2024 through bribery. This document, meant for cabaret operations, was unlawfully issued with the Ministry of Economy’s official seal and the signatures of former officials in that ministry,” Prime Minister Mickoski stated during a press conference.

The Prime Minister confirmed that immediate actions are being taken to address the aftermath of this tragedy and assured that every aspect leading to this incident will be thoroughly investigated without bias.

Interior Minister Pance Toskovski informed reporters that the nightclub lacked a legal operating permit but refrained from divulging further details as the investigation is still in its infancy. He noted that “the license, much like other past issues in Macedonia, is tied to corruption and bribery.”

Authorities have arrested about 20 people in connection with the fire, including government officials and the manager of the Puls nightclub, who did not possess a valid operating license.

“Approximately 15 individuals are being held at the police station. Some suspects linked to this criminal incident have died, as indicated by current investigations, while others remain hospitalized. We currently have four individuals secured in the hospital—two members of the band DNK, the son of the nightclub owner, and the club manager,” Toškovski commented.

“One person who organized the event, suspected of being directly responsible, has been detained. Additionally, the former state secretary at the Ministry of Economy, the previous head of a sector at the Ministry, the former director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, along with three employees of that directorate, have also been apprehended,” Toškovski added.

“Initial reports suggest that around 500 people were present at the club, with roughly 250 tickets sold,” stated the Interior Minister, noting that 22 individuals are listed in critical condition.

Earlier yesterday, Toškovski mentioned that the fire at the “Puls” discotheque ignited around 2:30 a.m. during a performance by the band DNK. Preliminary evidence indicates that “the fire was sparked by pyrotechnics utilized for lighting purposes.”

Firefighters worked to extinguish the charred entrance of the nightclub into the early hours while emergency responders rushed to the scene, as shown in local television footage.

The inferno caused part of the roof of the single-story structure to collapse, exposing charred beams and debris. Police have secured the area and dispatched evidence collection teams, with state prosecutors also involved in the investigation.

Social media videos revealed sparkling pyrotechnics hitting the ceiling, followed by chaos as patrons fled through smoke, with musicians urging attendees to escape hastily.

Panicked friends and family members became separated during the rush for exits, according to reports by Reuters.

“Everyone was trying to save themselves,” Marija Taseva, a 22-year-old survivor, recounted to local TV 5. While attempting to flee, Taseva was knocked down in the crush and injured, ultimately losing track of her sister, who could not escape.

“My sister was killed,” she said tearfully.

Kristina Serafimova, the director of Kočani General Hospital, reported that those injured and deceased ranged in age from 16 to 24 and hailed from Skopje, Štip, Probištip, and Kočani, as well as nearby villages. Most victims perished during a stampede triggered by the fire.

Throughout the day, relatives gathered outside hospitals and city offices in Kočani, located about 115 kilometers east of the capital, Skopje, seeking information from authorities.

Local resident Dragi Stojanov found out that his 21-year-old son, Tomče, died in the fire.

“He was my only child. I don’t want to live anymore… 150 families have been shattered,” he lamented. “The children were burned beyond recognition. Inside (the club) there are only corpses, only corpses… Meanwhile, those in power are stuffing their pockets.”

Simeon Sokolov, 50, discovered his daughter, Anastasia, in an emergency room in the capital Skopje, where she is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. “I only know that many children have perished,” he told Reuters. “The doctors are doing their best, but the number of casualties is staggering.”

Among the deceased were three members of the band DNK—vocalist Andrej Đorđieski, photographer Aleksandar Efremov, and backing vocalist Sara Projkovska—as well as Škuplje footballer Andrej Lazarov.

North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited the injured at Skopje’s hospital and engaged with parents waiting outside.

In her address to the public, she emphasized that now is not the time for division or confrontation, especially when it pertains to young lives tragically cut short by negligence and exploitation. “No business or endeavor can operate without rules and standards. This time, no one responsible must escape the law, justice, and accountability!”.

Siljanovska-Davkova urged that the innocent victims should not be dishonored and called upon the community to unite with the survivors. “We must never again let anyone jeopardize the lives of innocents, nor sacrifice public safety for individual wealth. Nothing is more precious than human life, especially that of the youth.”

Markos Trošanovski, a political commentator from Skopje, stated to The Guardian that the entire nation is “in deep shock over this tragedy.” He noted that while it’s clear the nightclub surpassed its capacity during the concert, the government’s response was swift. “The authorities acted promptly,” he affirmed. “However, there were institutional shortcomings,” he added, highlighting that “it appears there weren’t enough fire extinguishers, a necessary condition for the club’s licensing.”

The North Macedonian government announced yesterday a seven-day period of mourning in response to the Kočani tragedy.

Additionally, a decision has been made requiring the State Market Inspection to conduct extraordinary inspections of hospitality establishments (cabarets, nightclubs, discos, and outdoor venues) across North Macedonia within the next three days.

The government has also adopted a measure requiring immediate reporting on these findings to establish factual details and verify compliance with standards and legal requirements. Furthermore, a decision has been made to activate the mechanism for soliciting international assistance, as stated on the government’s website.

Health officials reported that the government has received offers of support from several neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey, and preparations are underway to receive patients with life-threatening injuries. Medical teams from Serbia and Bulgaria have also been dispatched to assist local services in treating the injured.

Condolences and offers of assistance have poured in from neighboring countries, with Montenegro declaring today a Day of Mourning in response to the tragedy in North Macedonia. “The Government of Montenegro stands ready to assist the friendly people of North Macedonia in any necessary manner during this difficult time,” Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced on the X platform.

The Serbian government has declared Tuesday, March 18, as a Day of Mourning for the incident in Kočani during its session today.

Expressions of sympathy have reached leaders throughout Europe, including from Pope Francis’ office, who is currently hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have also conveyed their support.

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, expressed her condolences on social media, stating: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kočani, North Macedonia, which claimed so many young lives.”

In a further show of solidarity from the EU, the President of the European Council, Antonija Košta, affirmed that “the 27-member bloc stands in unity with the people of North Macedonia during this sorrowful time.”