Deadly North Macedonia Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives, Sparks National Mourning

Authorities investigate corruption and safety violations as grieving families demand accountability for the Kocani tragedy.

The fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 59 people, many of them young attendees, during a hip-hop concert early Sunday morning.
Investigators revealed the nightclub was operating without a proper license and had significant safety violations, including insufficient emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
Over 150 people were injured, with 20 in critical condition; neighboring countries like Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey are treating some of the most severely injured.
Authorities have detained 20 individuals for questioning, including club management and government officials, amid allegations of bribery and widespread corruption.
The government has ordered inspections of all nightclubs nationwide, while citizens hold vigils and protests, blaming systemic failures for the tragedy.