North Macedonia Declares Seven Days of Mourning for Nightclub Fire Victims

A catastrophic fire engulfed Club Pulse, a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, early Sunday morning, claiming 59 lives and leaving over 150 people injured.

An aerial photograph the nightclub (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

In response to the tragedy, North Macedonia has declared seven days of national mourning. The disaster has also prompted a show of solidarity from neighboring Bulgaria, which will observe a day of national mourning on Tuesday, March 18.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the nation and prompted an outpouring of support from neighboring countries.

The blaze erupted around 2:30 a.m. during a performance by a local pop band. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski reported that pyrotechnics likely ignited the club's roof, leading to a rapid spread of flames. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic as patrons rushed towards the venue's single exit, resulting in a deadly stampede.

Health Minister Arben Taravari confirmed that 118 people have been hospitalized, many with severe burns. The government has mobilized all available resources to treat the injured, with some patients being transferred to specialized facilities in neighboring countries.

The incident has raised serious questions about safety regulations and enforcement in North Macedonia's entertainment venues. Authorities have detained approximately 20 individuals, including government officials and nightclub management, as part of an ongoing investigation into potential negligence and corruption.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced that 14 injured individuals are currently receiving treatment in Bulgarian hospitals, with the country prepared to accept more patients if needed.

As the nation grapples with this devastating loss, the focus remains on supporting the victims' families and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies