The nightclub tragedy in North Macedonia, yet another proof that corruption kills
18 March 2025
North Macedonia is mourning the tragic loss of 59 lives after a devastating fire broke out on Saturday evening at an improvised nightclub. The incident occurred in the small town of Kočani, about 100 kilometers east of Skopje. National flags in front of government institutions have been lowered to half-mast, and the country has entered a seven-day period of national mourning.
The fire started while approximately 500 people, most of them of a young age, were inside the building. Pyrotechnic effects used by the musical band on stage ignited the roof, and the flames spread rapidly. Videos circulating on social media capture the moment when the fireworks sparked the blaze, turning the nightclub into a death trap. As the burning roof collapsed, many guests were unable to escape. In the panic that followed, some were trampled in a desperate attempt to flee, others died from the smoke.
The scale of the tragedy is overwhelming. Among the 59 victims, many were minors, and most members of the popular musical band also lost their lives. More than 160 people sustained injuries.
The nightclub was an improvised structure that failed to meet even the most basic safety standards. It had only one small entry and exit door, with an auxiliary door that was locked. There were no emergency exits, the windows were blocked with bars, ventilation was nonexistent, and only two fire extinguishers were available.
Local hospitals lacked the capacity to treat the burn victims and urgently requested assistance from neighboring countries, the European Union, and NATO. Half of the injured have been transported abroad for medical treatment, and the country has activated the European Union's civil protection system to help coordinate international aid.
 | Slavica Arsova The prosecution on Monday said court hearings were underway to determine whether eight people suspected of wrongdoing over the blaze are to be placed in short-term detention. They have so far identified more than 20 suspects in connection with the case, and the mayor of Kočani has resigned. However, the measures taken so far have failed to satisfy the public. Outraged citizens have taken to the streets in Kočani and Skopje, demanding justice. Protesters have chanted slogans such as "Anyone could be next," "Corruption kills," and "We want life, not death." Mourning has turned into rage, and in the upcoming days we might see mass protests similar to those in Serbia. An investigation by the authorities is yet to determine how this nightclub was allowed to operate despite failing to meet safety standards and why authorities ignored its dangerous conditions for years. Local officials now refer to the venue as a "barn", highlighting the negligence that allowed young people to gather there night after night. |
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