A devastating fire broke out at the “Pulse” nightclub in the city of Kocani, North Macedonia, on Sunday, leaving at least 59 people dead and over 150 injured. The tragedy occurred when sparks from pyrotechnics ignited the club’s roof during a live music performance, causing widespread panic as hundreds of people rushed to escape through the single exit. This horrific incident marks one of the deadliest accidents in the country’s recent history.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as flames quickly spread across the ceiling, trapping many inside. Video footage reviewed by Reuters shows the moment the fire started, with two pyrotechnic devices shooting white sparks into the air, which then ignited the roof. Just seconds later, chaos erupted as people screamed and shouted for others to evacuate. Maria Taseva, 22, who was at the club, recounted the terrifying experience: “The fire started, and everyone was screaming and shouting ‘Get out, get out!'”
As Taseva attempted to flee, she fell and was trampled, injuring her face. In the chaos, she became separated from her sister, who unfortunately did not survive. Overcome with emotion, Taseva tearfully stated, “My sister is dead.” The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of loved ones.
Interior Minister Panche Tosevski announced that around 20 suspects have been detained, including the band members, the nightclub’s manager, who lacked proper licenses, the owner’s son, and several state officials. Tosevski also revealed that among the injured and deceased, at least 20 were minors. Prime Minister Kristian Mitskovski emphasized that the nightclub’s license was issued illegally by the Ministry of Economy and vowed that those responsible would face justice, regardless of their position or affiliation. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared.
The fire broke out around 3:00 a.m. when approximately 500 people were inside the club. Reuters photos show the charred and collapsed metal roof, exposing the burnt wooden beams inside. Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that over 150 injured individuals were taken to hospitals in Skopje, Kocani, and nearby cities, with 20 in critical condition.
Outside the main hospital in Kocani, family and friends of the victims gathered, hugging each other and lighting candles in a somber atmosphere filled with anger, sadness, and grief. One man, overcome with emotion, exclaimed, “My life is over; everything is finished. Let the media take my picture and show Europe what happened.” Another local resident, Hail Gavrilov, who knew several people at the event, including one who lost their life, noted, “This incident has shaken the entire city and country.”
In the aftermath, Simeon Sokolov, 50, found his daughter Anastasiya in the emergency room of September 8 Hospital in Skopje, where she was being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Sokolov described the heartbreaking scene: “I saw many young people suffering; the doctors are doing their best, but there are just too many injured.” As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, the people of Kocani and beyond are left to mourn the loss of so many lives and wonder how such a devastating incident could have occurred.