Marija Taseva was enjoying a night out with her sister at the Pulse club in Kocani, North Macedonia, on Saturday when tragedy struck. A fire broke out while they were watching DNK, a popular hip-hop duo in the country, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 people and injuries to 155 others.
During the chaos, the 19-year-old recalled the panic as people screamed and tried to flee the flames. With only one exit available for around 500 patrons, many struggled to escape, leading to a stampede. Despite her efforts, Marija managed to get to safety, but tragically, her sister did not survive.
Following the incident, 15 individuals, including the venue owner and former government officials, were detained by the police. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski mentioned suspicions of bribery and corruption related to the fire. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski emphasized that there would be no leniency, irrespective of political status.
The fire, caused by sparks from pyrotechnic devices hitting the flammable ceiling around 02:30 local time on Sunday, led to horrifying consequences. The nightclub, operating without a legal license, was previously a carpet warehouse. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities discovering deficiencies in safety systems.
Medical professionals have treated survivors with severe burn injuries, while the Kocani hospital reported deaths from injuries sustained during the stampede. Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov highlighted the heartbreaking impact on young victims and their families, expressing the community’s deep sorrow and anger.
Parents like Dragi Stojanov, who lost his only child in the fire, are devastated and demand accountability. North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable through legal proceedings.
The tragic incident at the Pulse club has deeply affected the nation, leading to calls for justice and measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
In a tragic turn of events impacting human lives, particularly the young, a devastating incident has left many severely injured. The injured individuals are now being transported to specialized clinics located in Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey for urgent medical treatment, as reported by an official source.
Following this heartbreaking catastrophe, the government has responded by declaring a seven-day period of national mourning, reflecting the collective grief and sorrow felt across the nation. Additionally, an emergency session has been scheduled as part of the ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the circumstances that led to the unfolding of this distressing incident.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this unforeseen tragedy, communities are coming together to support one another during this trying time. The impact of the incident has reverberated widely, prompting a deep sense of reflection and unity as the nation mourns the loss and prays for the swift recovery of those injured.
Our thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families, and we stand in solidarity with the nation as it navigates through this difficult period of grief and recovery.
