Sporadic violence erupted in North Macedonia yesterday as thousands gathered to demand justice for the 59 victims of a nightclub fire, calling for an end to the corruption they believe led to one of the country’s worst disasters in years.

North Macedonia is currently in a seven-day national mourning period, grieving the significant loss of lives, many of whom were young. Excavators and workers have begun digging new graves at the Kocani city cemetery, located approximately 100 kilometers east of Skopje. Families searching for missing loved ones have been waiting outside a hospital to provide DNA samples in order to identify those who could not be recognized immediately.

Authorities revealed that the Puls nightclub obtained its operating license illegally and was lacking essential safety features like fire extinguishers and emergency exits. More than 150 individuals sustained injuries, with many in critical condition.

Commemorative and protest rallies occurred yesterday in Kočani and Skopje. The protest in Kočani, reportedly attended by parents of victims, commenced in the town square before moving towards the municipality building, which protesters pelted with eggs. Chants of “We want justice” and “Murderers” filled the air, alongside banners stating “We don’t die from accidents; we die from corruption” and “Everything is legal here if you have connections.”

“I want all those who allowed this establishment to remain open to be imprisoned,” said 16-year-old Jovan, a friend of one of the victims. “We need change because this country is corrupt.”

Violence escalated when a group of citizens destroyed the “Klasik” cafe bar, associated with the “Puls” discotheque where the deadly fire occurred, as reported by MIA.

Later, hundreds marched towards the mayor’s residence, throwing stones and smashing windows. Nearby, a family grieving the loss of a relative from the fire stood in tears, according to Reuters.

Earlier, Kočani’s Mayor Ljupčo Papazov announced his irrevocable resignation due to the tragedy.

In a Facebook post, Papazov urged all relevant institutions to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, expressing his full readiness to cooperate.

“Although I did not have direct authority regarding this matter by law, I am prepared to answer all questions concerning everything, including my personal actions,” Papazov stated.

“This loss is immeasurable! There are no words to encompass the grief we all share. These children were our children. I knew many of them and their families; some were family friends. The shock and sorrow I feel will stay with me for a lifetime. This tragedy has plunged the people of Kočani and Macedonia into darkness, leaving an unbearable void,” Papazov added.

A mass rally also took place on the plateau of Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where tributes were paid to the victims from Kočani.

The commemorative event included a seven-minute silence and was organized by the Student Assembly of the university. Speakers included the rector, Biljana Angelova, and the Minister of Education and Science, Vesna Janevska.

The student assembly announced that “joint classes” and gatherings will continue daily until March 21st, when a march through Skopje will take place, leading students and interested citizens to Kočani.

The nightclub, identified by local media as a former industrial warehouse for goods and carpets, had a single emergency exit, which was reportedly locked during the concert, only two fire extinguishers, and lacked a fire alarm or suppression system.

“It lacked two exit doors, having only one makeshift metal door at the rear, which was locked and without an internal handle,” stated North Macedonia’s state prosecutor, Ljupčo Kočevski.

The ceiling was constructed from flammable materials, with the plasterboard walls not being fire-resistant.

“(The nightclub) operated under substandard conditions. There was a lack of necessary safety measures, yet profits were being made. Who is accountable?” questioned Saša Đenić, a teacher whose 15-year-old daughter suffered burns in the incident.

Authorities have detained approximately 20 individuals in connection with the fire, including state officials and the nightclub manager.

Kočevski indicated that his office is pursuing the criminal responsibility of several individuals for “serious criminal acts against public safety” and other offenses.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski asserted that the club’s license was illegally granted by the Ministry of Economy and promised that those accountable would be held responsible. Former Economy Minister Krešnik Bekteši was interviewed by police regarding the disaster, as reported by local broadcaster TV 5.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior claimed that the license was obtained through bribery involving officials at the Ministry of Economy, implicating former State Secretary Razmena Čekić-Durović among the suspects.

Fifty-one injured individuals are currently being treated in hospitals across Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey.

Ivan Leković, Deputy Head of the Military Medical Academy (MMA) in Belgrade, reported yesterday that six burn victims from the Kočani fire had been admitted, all in serious condition.

According to him, beyond burns, patients are exhibiting symptoms of gas poisoning from the fire as well as inhalation injuries affecting their respiratory systems and lungs due to hot air and harmful substances present during the fire.

He mentioned that the treatment will require a long-term approach due to the need for multiple surgeries and consultation with various specialists including pulmonologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and plastic surgeons.

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