A devastating fire tore through Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, in the early hours of the morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and more than 100 injured. The blaze erupted around 3 AM local time, rapidly engulfing the popular nightlife spot and sparking chaos as panicked patrons fought to flee the flames.
According to initial reports, the fire spread swiftly from its origin to the ceiling and roof, fueled by flammable materials within the club. As thick smoke filled the air, a stampede ensued, with many trapped inside suffering severe burns or succumbing to suffocation. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling to extinguish the inferno and pull survivors from the wreckage, but the toll was staggering.
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Interior Minister Pance Toshkovski arrived at the site to oversee rescue efforts and coordinate with local authorities, who are now investigating the cause of the fire. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski is also en route to Kocani to address the tragedy, which has sent shockwaves through the small Balkan nation. Early speculation points to possible electrical faults or safety violations, though officials have yet to confirm a definitive trigger.
The disaster has left the community reeling, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured victims, many in critical condition. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of desperation as people smashed windows and clambered over one another to escape. For now, the focus remains on treating the wounded and supporting grieving families, as North Macedonia mourns one of its deadliest incidents in recent memory. Authorities have promised a thorough probe to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
Key Points:
Community Impact: The disaster has overwhelmed local hospitals and left North Macedonia in mourning, with a focus on treating survivors and supporting affected families.
Deadly Blaze: A fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed at least 53 people and injured over 100, breaking out around 3 AM local time.
Rapid Spread: The flames quickly spread to the ceiling and roof, causing a stampede as patrons tried to escape, with many suffering burns and suffocation.
Government Response: Interior Minister Pance Toshkovski is on-site managing the crisis, while Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski is traveling to Kocani to address the tragedy.
Investigation Underway: Authorities are probing the cause, with potential electrical faults or safety violations under scrutiny, though no official conclusion has been reached.
