SKOPJE, North Macedonia 

North Macedonia has declared a seven-day national mourning period following a devastating nightclub fire in the eastern city of Kocani that claimed at least 59 lives.

The government ordered flags at public institutions and spaces to be flown at half-mast in remembrance of the victims.

The fire broke out on Sunday around 3 a.m. local time (0200GMT), reportedly triggered by pyrotechnic effects that set the nightclub’s ceiling ablaze.

As flames spread to the walls and smoke filled the venue, the roughly 500 people who were in the club at the time rushed toward the single exit, causing a deadly stampede.

In addition to the fatalities, 155 people were injured, 22 of whom remain in critical condition.

Investigation uncovers safety violations

Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy, with initial findings pointing to severe safety violations.

According to prosecutors, the nightclub was operating without a valid business license and had exceeded its allowed capacity on the night of the fire.

Key safety lapses included a lack of adequate fire extinguishing equipment inside the nightclub; an insufficient number of exit doors, with the only available exit covered in sponge for sound insulation; and a roof that was not fire-resistant, which contributed to the rapid spread of flames.

The prosecutor’s office has pledged to hold those responsible accountable as public outrage over the disaster continues to grow.

Emergency response and international assistance

In the aftermath of the incident, medical evacuation efforts were launched to provide urgent care for the severely injured.

Health Minister Arben Taravari announced that a total of 47 injured victims will be treated abroad.

Nine victims were transported to Türkiye for advanced treatment, with three receiving care at Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, home to Europe’s largest burn treatment center.

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu expressed his condolences and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting North Macedonia.

“We are transferring three critically injured patients for treatment at our specialized burn center and will continue assisting with medical evacuations if necessary,” Memisoglu said.

Six additional victims were flown by military aircraft to Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, where they remain in serious condition.

Bulgarian authorities have also taken in 14 injured victims for treatment, with eight placed in intensive care at Sofia’s Pirogov Emergency Hospital.

Neighboring Serbia and Montenegro have declared a national day of mourning in solidarity with North Macedonia.

Among the deceased are minors, some as young as 14 years old.

A CASA C-295 aircraft of the Serbian Armed Forces transported 12 injured victims from North Macedonia to Belgrade on Sunday night, where they will receive treatment at the Military Medical Academy and the Clinical Center of Serbia.

Music group among the victims

Adding to the tragedy, eight members of the popular hip-hop group DNK, who were performing at the nightclub at the time of the fire, lost their lives.

Fans and fellow musicians have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with tributes pouring in from across the region.

Political and social fallout

The scale of the disaster has sparked a public outcry, prompting Kocani Mayor Ljupco Papazov to resign. Announcing his decision via social media, Papazov expressed deep sorrow.

“This is an irreversible tragedy. Those were our children, our families. I personally knew many of them,” he said.

In response to the incident, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov declared a national day of mourning on March 18 and pledged his country’s full support for North Macedonia during this difficult time.

A nation in mourning

The fire in Kocani stands as one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in North Macedonia’s history, exposing critical failures in public safety and emergency preparedness. As the nation grieves, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that such a tragedy never happens again.