Violence Erupts in North Macedonia Following Deadly Nightclub Fire
Protests in Kočani escalate after tragic incident at 'Pulse' nightclub, leading to damage at a café associated with the venue's owner.
On March 17, 2025, protests erupted in Kočani, North Macedonia, following a devastating fire at the 'Pulse' nightclub that resulted in the deaths of 59 individuals and injuries to 155 others.
The demonstration, which initially started off peacefully, escalated into violent confrontations as protesters targeted a café owned by the operator of the nightclub.
Eyewitness accounts describe protesters smashing the café's windows and forcefully entering the establishment while voicing demands for justice with chants that included 'Everyone could be next' and 'Murderers.'
The tragic fire occurred during a popular event attended by approximately 1,500 patrons.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the blaze may have been sparked by a malfunctioning spark machine used during a stage performance, which ignited the club’s ceiling, composed of highly flammable materials.
Throughout the turmoil, law enforcement did not intervene as the situation deteriorated and the crowd turned increasingly aggressive.
Initial reports indicate that the demonstration remained non-violent until significant agitation set in.
In the wake of the fire, authorities have detained multiple individuals and issued arrest warrants for four suspects believed to be connected to the incident.
As investigators continue their work, international aid has begun to reach North Macedonia.
Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski reported that 51 patients who sustained injuries in the fire have been transferred to hospitals in neighboring countries, including Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, for advanced medical treatment.
The high severity of many of these injuries, particularly severe burn wounds, highlights the challenges faced by local healthcare facilities, which, according to Saso Klekovski, head of the North Macedonian Health Insurance Fund, lack the necessary resources for adequate care.
The situation surrounding the nightclub disaster continues to evolve as authorities pursue a thorough investigation.
The demonstration, which initially started off peacefully, escalated into violent confrontations as protesters targeted a café owned by the operator of the nightclub.
Eyewitness accounts describe protesters smashing the café's windows and forcefully entering the establishment while voicing demands for justice with chants that included 'Everyone could be next' and 'Murderers.'
The tragic fire occurred during a popular event attended by approximately 1,500 patrons.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the blaze may have been sparked by a malfunctioning spark machine used during a stage performance, which ignited the club’s ceiling, composed of highly flammable materials.
Throughout the turmoil, law enforcement did not intervene as the situation deteriorated and the crowd turned increasingly aggressive.
Initial reports indicate that the demonstration remained non-violent until significant agitation set in.
In the wake of the fire, authorities have detained multiple individuals and issued arrest warrants for four suspects believed to be connected to the incident.
As investigators continue their work, international aid has begun to reach North Macedonia.
Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski reported that 51 patients who sustained injuries in the fire have been transferred to hospitals in neighboring countries, including Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, for advanced medical treatment.
The high severity of many of these injuries, particularly severe burn wounds, highlights the challenges faced by local healthcare facilities, which, according to Saso Klekovski, head of the North Macedonian Health Insurance Fund, lack the necessary resources for adequate care.
The situation surrounding the nightclub disaster continues to evolve as authorities pursue a thorough investigation.
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