Survivors and relatives share heartbreaking stories amidst ongoing investigations into the tragedy that has shocked the nation.
**Tragedy Strikes North Macedonia: Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives**
**Tragedy Strikes North Macedonia: Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives**
A devastating fire at Kocani's Pulse nightclub, during a concert, has led to a national outpouring of grief and calls for accountability.
In a heart-wrenching saga of loss and grief, North Macedonia is grappling with a tragic nightclub fire that has claimed the lives of at least 59 individuals and injured over 155. The incident occurred at the Pulse club in Kocani, where Marija Taseva, a 19-year-old attendee, was present for a performance by the popular hip-hop duo DNK. The night quickly spiraled into chaos when flames erupted due to sparks from pyrotechnics igniting the venue's highly flammable ceiling.
The only escape route was a single exit for approximately 500 patrons, creating a harrowing scenario as people attempted to flee. "Everyone started screaming and shouting 'get out, get out!'" Taseva recounted, as she was one of the few who managed to reach safety while tragically losing her sister in the process. The remnants of the nightclub, previously a carpet warehouse, now stand as a silent testament to the disaster's severity.
Authorities are investigating potential issues of corruption and negligence, particularly addressing why the nightclub was operating without a legal license. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski stated that ten individuals, including high-ranking officials, have been arrested in connection with the fire, as the nation demands accountability. In addition to burn injuries, many victims suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Reports indicate that most of the deceased were young individuals, striking a chord of sorrow across the community. Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov expressed the emotional toll on families as they await news of loved ones, emphasizing that those lost were often the children of young parents. Residents are expressing their fury and sadness. Dragi Stojanov, whose only child died in the fire, poignantly declared, "I lost everything... I don’t need this life anymore."
In response to the tragedy, North Macedonia’s President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, has called for justice for victims and emphasized that no responsible parties should evade the law. The government has declared a seven-day period of national mourning, while many of the most critically injured are being transferred to specialized medical facilities in neighboring countries for treatment.
As the nation seeks solace in the aftermath of this horrific event, the stakes remain high for justice and reform to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
