The nightclub where the tragedy occurred in North Macedonia, where a forged license was used. This was stated by Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, according to whom the license was issued last year by officials of the Ministry of Economy. “Many questions need to be answered,” said Mickoski, who promised accountability at all levels.
The Prime Minister of North Macedonia said: "At the moment we have information that at the time of the tragic accident there was a forged license, issued in March 2024 in exchange for a bribe. It is a working document for a cabaret, issued illegally, with the original seal of the Ministry of Economy and the signature of the then officials of this ministry. There are many questions, to which the investigation will provide answers," said Hristijan Mickoski.
Fifty-six people were killed and more than 150 injured in a fire that ripped through a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday in Kocani, North Macedonia, after sparks from pyrotechnics used for a lighting effect set the roof ablaze. Hundreds of people rushed to the small venue's only exit as flames spread across the ceiling, trapping many in the deadliest fire accident in years. A video verified by Reuters shows the moment the fire broke out as a band was playing on stage. Two flames shot white sparks into the air, igniting a section of the ceiling. Panic broke out seconds later.
Authorities have arrested about 20 people in connection with the incident, including government officials and the manager of the Pulse nightclub, which was operating without a license. More than 150 of the injured are hospitalized in Skopje, Kocani and nearby cities, with 20 of them in critical condition. Family members searched for their loved ones online and in hospitals around the country, while outside the hospital in Kocani, many people hugged each other and lit candles. There were scenes of anger and grief.
"Let me say it in front of everyone. Shoot me. I'm dead. I lost everything. I had a son and I lost him," said Dragi Stojanov.
Some patients have been transferred to Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece for treatment. The public prosecutor in North Macedonia, Ljupco Kocevski, said five prosecutors would investigate the incident. Seven days of mourning were declared across the country from Monday, with national flags flown at half-mast. (A2 Televizion)
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