In North Macedonia, Kocani, the nation is mourning the loss of many young lives in a nightclub inferno and seeks justice for those responsible.

Early Sunday, a fire erupted at the overcrowded Club Pulse in Kocani, claiming the lives of 59 people and causing injuries to 155 from burns, smoke inhalation, and being trampled while fleeing.

The fire’s cause is under investigation; however, videos show pyrotechnics during a band performance hitting the ceiling and igniting the blaze.

The majority of the victims were young, some as young as 16, which led to the declaration of seven days of mourning.

President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska stated that the nation is in shock and held responsible individuals accountable for the tragedy.

Allegations of bribery linked to the nightclub are also under examination by authorities, leading to a nationwide inspection of nightclubs and cabarets.

Neighboring countries, such as Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey, have offered assistance and accepted critically injured victims for treatment.

Firsthand accounts reveal that safety code violations, such as a lack of emergency exits and insufficient fire extinguishers, contributed to the tragedy.

A state prosecutor and interior minister have confirmed these violations and apprehended individuals for questioning, suspecting bribery and corruption.

World leaders, including those from European countries and the hospitalized Pope Francis, have extended their condolences to the nation.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his heartbreak during a televised address, stating, “My heart is breaking, and I am broken.”

Kocani residents held a candlelight vigil on Sunday, supporting the grieving families and long lines formed to light church candles.

Many young people with promising futures have left the country; however, the economy and institutions in the nation are struggling, leading some to believe that only divine intervention can save them.

Source: https://time.com/7268803/nightclub-fire-north-macedonia/