Deadly Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Sparks National Mourning and Investigations

A fire at a crowded nightclub in Kočani claimed at least 59 lives, with authorities detaining 15 suspects and uncovering safety violations.

North Macedonia has declared a seven-day mourning period following a devastating nightclub fire in Kočani that killed at least 59 people, many of them young adults and teenagers.
The fire, reportedly caused by pyrotechnics igniting flammable ceiling materials, injured over 150 people, with several in critical condition and requiring specialized treatment abroad.
Authorities revealed that the nightclub was operating illegally without a proper license, with allegations of corruption potentially linked to its operations.
Fifteen individuals have been detained for questioning, while others are under investigation, as officials vow to determine accountability for the tragedy.
The government has announced plans to intensify inspections of nightclubs and similar venues to ensure compliance with international safety standards.