Following a tragic incident at a nightclub in Kočani, where 59 people were killed and 150 others were injured in a deadly blaze, North Macedonian authorities have taken swift action. Reports indicate that multiple live music venues across the country have been instructed to close their doors in response to the devastating event.
Authorities in North Macedonia have apprehended suspects and conducted interviews with 70 individuals connected to the fire that occurred at Pulse nightclub in Kočani at 2:20AM local time on a Sunday morning. Investigators and witnesses have attributed the fire’s origins to the use of pyrotechnics during a performance by hip hop group DNK, resulting in the loss of 59 lives.
An investigation by authorities revealed a series of safety and licensing violations at Pulse, prompting a scrutiny of similar venues nationwide. Marija Miteva, a government spokesperson, disclosed that out of 50 venues, only 20 possessed valid licenses, leading to the closure of numerous establishments across North Macedonia. The State Market Inspectorate has ordered the suspension of activities at venues operating with expired or non-existent licenses until all necessary documentation is reviewed and validated.
In response to the tragedy, a week of national mourning has been declared in North Macedonia, with citizens expressing their outrage against perceived corrupt practices that contributed to the nightclub fire. State prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski, tasked with leading the investigation, highlighted deficiencies at Pulse such as the absence of exit doors, inadequate fire safety measures, and flammable building materials, underscoring the severe safety violations that exacerbated the situation. As the search for victims continues, families have gathered outside hospitals in the Kočani area to provide DNA samples, with funerals expected to take place in the coming days
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