59 dead in North Macedonia nightclub fire

At least 59 people lost their lives on Sunday after a devastating fire broke out at Club Pulse in North Macedonia.

The fire erupted at 2:30 AM local time on March 16, with around 500 people inside (twice the club’s official capacity of 250). The incident occurred during a performance by hip-hop band DNK, leaving an estimated 155 people injured, many with severe burns. A spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office told BBC that only one member of the band survived and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.

North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Panche Toshkovski, stated that preliminary findings suggest highly flammable pyrotechnic effects on stage may have sparked the blaze, setting fire to the club’s ceiling. Reports also indicate that the venue’s single entrance and exit led to mass panic, making it difficult for many to escape in time.

Following the tragic incident in the eastern town of Kočani, police have detained 15 individuals in connection with the fire. According to the North Macedonian public prosecutor’s office, those arrested include officials from ministries responsible for issuing the club’s operating license.

Interior Minister Pance Toskovski also stated that those detained will be interrogated, emphasising that there are "grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption" linked to the fire.

In response to the tragedy, the North Macedonian government has declared a seven-day national mourning period and announced an emergency session to investigate the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, according to a report by Evrensel, nine critically injured victims have been transferred to Turkey for medical treatment following diplomatic efforts between the two countries.