Kočani, North Macedonia – A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani early Sunday has left at least 51 people dead and dozens more injured. The tragedy unfolded around 2:35 a.m. during a concert by a local pop group when pyrotechnics used by clubgoers ignited the roof, causing a fast-spreading inferno.
North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Panche Toshkovski, confirmed the death toll and reported that the injured were rushed to Kocani General Hospital for urgent medical care. The nightclub, which was hosting approximately 1,500 attendees, quickly descended into chaos as flames engulfed the ceiling and roof.
Harrowing footage circulating on social media captured the panic inside the club and the intense blaze outside. Distraught family members have gathered outside hospitals and city offices, anxiously seeking updates on their loved ones.
Authorities have arrested one individual in connection with the fire, though details about their involvement remain unclear.
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, calling it a “difficult and very sad day” for the nation.
“The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable,” Mickoski wrote on social media platform X.
He assured the public that the government is taking immediate action to assist the victims and their families. “The people and the Government will do everything in their power to at least alleviate their pain a little and help them in these most difficult moments,” he said.
Mickoski has urged health services, police, and local authorities to take swift measures to support affected families and investigate the incident thoroughly.
“In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken with pain due to this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, solidarity, humanity, and responsibility,” he added.
Credit: Independent.co.uk
