By: Jordan Park 

Sports Editor

At least 59 people lost their lives, and 155 were injured in a fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia. The fire is said to be the most devastating national tragedy in recent memory and has left the small southeastern European country in shock.

Club Pulse, the nightclub where the fire erupted early on Mar. 16, is located in Kocani, about 50 miles east of the capital, Skopje. Many had come to the club to watch DNK, a well-known North Macedonian band. According to video footage, the use of pyrotechnic devices, such as fireworks and sparklers, ignited the blaze. Officials indicated that these sparklers were used illegally and likely triggered the fire, which later caused the roof to ignite. The club lacked sprinklers and the appropriate exit routes and was not located near a fire hydrant, which contributed to the extent of the devastation during the fire. Panche Toshkovski, the country’s interior minister, stated, “The pyrotechnic devices used in the nightclub were brought in by the band.” Biljana Arsovska, a spokesperson for the public prosecutor, noted that among the many victims included one member of DNK along with other performers from that evening. She also mentioned that officials had not yet completed the process of identifying all the victims.

According to public prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski, the building that contained Club Pulse was officially registered as an industrial facility rather than a hospitality venue. Yet, the economy ministry granted it a hospitality permit. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the club had obtained its license document through bribery and noted that the document featured the seal of the economic ministry and the signatures of former officials, labeling the license as “illegally issued.” In a statement on Mar. 16, Mickoski stated, “I will have no mercy,” and added, “There is not [a] person in Macedonia who is not broken with a destroyed spirit after this.” 

So far, the police have detained 15 people, including the manager of the club and the owner’s son. Several former or current officials have also been arrested in connection with the case. Prosecutors are looking to arrest former economy minister Kreshnik Bekteshi. Authorities have also detained another former official from the ministry, along with several other officials from different government agencies.

In response to the atrocity, thousands of people gathered in Skopje at the university to honor the fire victims on the afternoon of Mar. 17, the day following the catastrophe. In the subsequent days, thousands have come together at cemeteries throughout North Macedonia to attend the funerals of the many individuals who lost their lives in the fire. This week, protests against corruption have erupted across the country. On Mar. 17, some in Kocani vandalized a pub that they claimed was also operated by the owner of Club Pulse. That same night, others threw rocks and shattered windows at the mayor’s office.

(Sources: BBC, NY Times)