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A devastating fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia claimed 59 lives and left 155 injured in the early hours of Sunday morning, marking one of the country’s most tragic incidents in recent history.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. at the Pulse nightclub during a local pop band’s performance. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski explained that pyrotechnics triggered the blaze, which quickly spread to the roof. Footage from inside showed panicked concertgoers rushing through smoke-filled spaces while performers urged everyone to evacuate.
The tragedy has left countless families devastated, including Dragi Stojanov, who lost his 21-year-old son Tomce in the fire. “He was my only child. I don’t need my life anymore,” he said. “One hundred and fifty families have been devastated.”
❗️🇲🇰 – On March 16, 2025, a fire broke out at 3:00 a.m. in the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killing 51 people and injuring over 100.
The blaze, sparked by pyrotechnic devices during a concert, spread rapidly after sparks ignited the ceiling, as shown in a… pic.twitter.com/Ui6aHtnU1n
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) March 16, 2025
Medical teams across the country mobilized to treat the injured, with Health Minister Arben Taravari confirming that 118 victims were hospitalized. Neighboring countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, extended offers of medical assistance. “All our capabilities have been put to use, in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy,” Taravari told reporters, struggling to maintain composure.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited burn victims at a Skopje hospital, offering words of encouragement to waiting families. “It’s terrible … hard to believe how this happened,” she said emotionally. “We must give these young people courage to continue.”
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his grief online, writing: “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.”
59 people burned to death in North Macedonia when concert pyrotechnics caused a fire at the Pulse nightclub.
At this point – probably best to avoid any nightclubs named "pulse" 🤨#northmacedonia #Macedonia #MacedoniaFire pic.twitter.com/G7xw7dh8Mf
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) March 16, 2025
The venue, a converted carpet warehouse, suffered partial roof collapse during the fire. Law enforcement has secured the area and launched an investigation, with state prosecutor Ljubco Kocevski confirming that several individuals were being questioned. Interior ministry officials pledged to examine the club’s licensing and safety measures, with one arrest already made.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of international support. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed being “deeply saddened,” while regional leaders, including Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commissioner Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offered condolences. “I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our (North) Macedonian friends on this sad day,” Zelenskyy wrote.
This incident joins a tragic history of nightclub fires caused by pyrotechnics, reminiscent of the 2015 Colectiv club disaster in Bucharest that claimed 64 lives.
