Twenty Arrested Following Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia
A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani claims 59 lives and leaves over 155 injured, prompting government action.
A catastrophic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, during the early hours of March 16, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of at least 59 people and injured more than 155 others.
The blaze ignited around 02:35 local time during a performance by the popular hip-hop band ADN.
Footage from the scene shows the club engulfed in flames, as bystanders looked on in horror.
The North Macedonian Interior Minister, Pance Toskovski, informed the public that a total of 20 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Among those detained are government officials and the nightclub's manager.
It has been reported that the club was operating without a valid license, which has raised serious questions regarding regulatory oversight.
Minister Toskovski detailed that the fatalities included three individuals under the age of 18, and he stated that local authorities are intensifying their investigation.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski confirmed the illegal issuance of the club's license by the economy ministry and pledged accountability for all those responsible.
Witnesses described a frantic scene as patrons attempted to evacuate.
Health Minister Arben Taravari noted that many of the injured were being treated for severe burns at hospitals in Skopje City and other nearby medical facilities.
Reports suggest that approximately 1,500 individuals were present in the club during the performance, which may have contributed to the chaos as the fire rapidly spread.
The Interior Ministry indicated that fireworks may have been set off inside the venue, igniting the fire in a building that was formerly a carpet warehouse.
Eyewitness accounts have shared harrowing details of people trapped inside, with family members clamoring for information outside local hospitals.
Relatives of victims have expressed their grief outside the healthcare facilities, with some demanding answers regarding the tragedy.
Prime Minister Mickoski declared seven days of national mourning in response to the loss of life, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to support the affected families.
As investigations continue, neighboring countries have offered medical aid, reinforcing the regional solidarity in the face of this disaster.
The local and national authorities are expected to hold extensive discussions to prevent future incidents of this nature.
The blaze ignited around 02:35 local time during a performance by the popular hip-hop band ADN.
Footage from the scene shows the club engulfed in flames, as bystanders looked on in horror.
The North Macedonian Interior Minister, Pance Toskovski, informed the public that a total of 20 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Among those detained are government officials and the nightclub's manager.
It has been reported that the club was operating without a valid license, which has raised serious questions regarding regulatory oversight.
Minister Toskovski detailed that the fatalities included three individuals under the age of 18, and he stated that local authorities are intensifying their investigation.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski confirmed the illegal issuance of the club's license by the economy ministry and pledged accountability for all those responsible.
Witnesses described a frantic scene as patrons attempted to evacuate.
Health Minister Arben Taravari noted that many of the injured were being treated for severe burns at hospitals in Skopje City and other nearby medical facilities.
Reports suggest that approximately 1,500 individuals were present in the club during the performance, which may have contributed to the chaos as the fire rapidly spread.
The Interior Ministry indicated that fireworks may have been set off inside the venue, igniting the fire in a building that was formerly a carpet warehouse.
Eyewitness accounts have shared harrowing details of people trapped inside, with family members clamoring for information outside local hospitals.
Relatives of victims have expressed their grief outside the healthcare facilities, with some demanding answers regarding the tragedy.
Prime Minister Mickoski declared seven days of national mourning in response to the loss of life, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to support the affected families.
As investigations continue, neighboring countries have offered medical aid, reinforcing the regional solidarity in the face of this disaster.
The local and national authorities are expected to hold extensive discussions to prevent future incidents of this nature.
