(RightIsRight.co) – Tragedy has struck North Macedonia after a deadly nightclub blaze killed and injured dozens of unsuspecting people.
Specifically, the devastating fire tore through the Pulse nightclub in Kochani, killing 59 people and injuring more than 150 others.
Watch the videos down below.
The blaze broke out when pyrotechnic devices used during a concert lit up flammable ceiling materials, quickly surrounding the venue in flames and toxic smoke.
Surveillance videos show the moment when sparks from stage pyrotechnics during a performance by popular hip-hop duo DNK hit the ceiling, starting the deadly fire.
Only one member of the band survived. The venue, which was previously used as a carpet warehouse, reportedly had only one functioning exit.
The back door was locked, a critical safety violation that turned the building into a death trap.
Authorities are now investigating how such a preventable tragedy occurred.
Fifteen people have been detained for questioning amid suspicions of bribery and corruption that may have allowed the club to operate despite failing to meet basic safety requirements.
The lack of emergency exits and proper fire safety equipment points to serious regulatory failures by local officials.
Many victims were young people between 18 and 20 years old, with over 20 injured and three killed under the age of 18. The tragedy has devastated families across the small nation.
As people rushed to escape the flames, many were crushed in the panic, unable to exit through the single doorway available as the room filled with deadly smoke.
The heartbreak of parents who lost their children in this preventable disaster reveals the human toll.
Devastated father Dragi Stojanov expressed his anguish: “What am I supposed to do? One hundred and fifty souls.”
“One hundred and fifty families have been devastated. What is left for me in life? I don’t need my life anymore. This was my only child,” he added.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski declared seven days of national mourning and promised a full investigation into the causes of the fire and any negligence that may have played a part in the high death toll.
“This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable,” Mickoski stated.
This devastating incident bears striking similarities to other deadly nightclub fires around the world where safety regulations were ignored or bypassed through corruption.
The 2015 Colectiv club fire in Romania, which killed 64 people, was also caused by pyrotechnics and exposed widespread corruption in safety inspections.
🚨🇲🇰DEATH TOLL IN NORTH MACEDONIA NIGHTCLUB FIRE RISES TO 59—PYROTECHNICS BLAMED
A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kochani, North Macedonia, has killed 59 people and left over 150 injured, after pyrotechnics ignited flammable ceiling material during a concert.… https://t.co/oNy3pbcRdT pic.twitter.com/JUhOQVRknn
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 16, 2025
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