Death Toll in North Macedonia Nightclub Fire Rises to 59, Minister Confirms

A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, has claimed at least 59 lives and injured approximately 155 individuals. The incident occurred during a hip-hop concert attended by around 1,500 people, when pyrotechnic effects ignited the club’s flammable ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of the blaze. Victims, aged between 14 and 24, were among those affected. Authorities have detained the club owner and issued arrest warrants for three others in connection with the tragedy. The North Macedonian government has declared a seven-day mourning period and is conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire.