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last mo.

North Macedonia Holds Mass Funerals as Nightclub Fire Investigations Expand

The fire at Club Pulse in Kocani claimed 59 lives, injured nearly 200, and exposed widespread safety violations, prompting nationwide inspections and detentions.

Coffins are placed next to the graves as people gather at a cemetery for the funeral ceremony of the victims of a massive nightclub fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A woman cries leaning on a coffin as people gather at a cemetery for the funeral ceremony of the victims of a massive nightclub fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A person cries leaning on a coffin during the funeral ceremony of the victims of a massive nightclub fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Overview

  • Authorities have detained over 20 individuals, including seven police officers, as investigations into the fire and licensing violations continue.
  • The nightclub operated under a forged license and violated fire safety regulations, with pyrotechnics igniting the blaze that caused a deadly stampede.
  • Nationwide inspections have shuttered dozens of venues for operating without valid licenses or with expired certifications.
  • International medical aid has been mobilized, with over 100 injured victims receiving treatment in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Greece.
  • The tragedy has deeply affected North Macedonia's youth, fueling anger over systemic failures and intensifying calls for accountability and reform.