Authorities Arrest 15 in Connection with Deadly Club Fire in Kočani, North Macedonia

Tragedy struck in Kočani, North Macedonia as a devastating ceiling fire at Club Pulse left at least 59 people dead and 155 injured in the early hours of Sunday, March 17. The unlicensed nightclub was hosting a performance by local hip-hop group DNK when the blaze erupted.

Interior Minister Pance Toskovski reported that the fire ignited around 2:30 AM, fueled by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that came into contact with the venue’s highly flammable ceiling. The nightclub’s single exit significantly hindered evacuation efforts.

In the wake of the disaster, authorities have detained at least 15 individuals for questioning, as Minister Toskovski indicated potential bribery and corruption linked to the venue’s operation.

Tragically, members of the hip-hop group DNK were among the casualties. Keyboardist Filip Stevanovski, drummer Gjorgji Gjorgiev, and singers Sara Projkovska and Andrej Gjorgieski lost their lives in the fire. According to the group’s manager, Gjorgieski returned to the club in a heroic attempt to save young fans. Reports confirm that only one band member survived and is currently hospitalized.

Attendee Marija Taseva recounted her harrowing experience to Reuters, describing how she was trampled in the rush to escape. Although she managed to escape, she learned later that her sister did not survive the inferno.

Another local, Dragi Stojanov, faced the unbearable pain of discovering that his only son died in the fire while waiting for news at a nearby hospital. He told CBS News, “He was my only child. I don’t need my life anymore. One hundred and fifty families have been devastated.”

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sorrow, declaring it a “difficult and very sad day” for the nation. In response to the tragedy, a seven-day period of mourning has been announced across North Macedonia.