A catastrophic fire tore through Club Pulse, a popular nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, in the early hours of yesterday, killing 59 people and injuring 155.
Officials confirmed that 18 of the wounded remain in critical condition.
The blaze broke out at around 2:30 a.m. during a live music event. Initial reports suggest that pyrotechnics used in the performance may have triggered the fire.
Eyewitness footage showed sparks igniting the ceiling before panic erupted, with patrons rushing through thick smoke to escape.
Distraught families gathered outside hospitals, seeking news of their loved ones. Among them was Dragi Stojanov, who learned that his only child, 21-year-old Tomce, had died in the inferno.
Condolences and support have flooded in from around the world. Leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed solidarity with North Macedonia, while Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized, also sent a message of sympathy.
Neighbouring countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, have offered medical assistance.
Health Minister Arben Taravari emphasized that all available resources were being mobilized to treat the injured, many of whom suffered severe burns.
Volunteers have also joined efforts to provide aid.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited victims in Skopje, visibly shaken as she addressed families.
“It’s devastating… beyond belief,” she said. “These young survivors need our strength and support.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into the fire. Club Pulse was housed in a repurposed carpet warehouse, and parts of its roof collapsed in the blaze, leaving behind charred beams and debris.
Police have sealed off the site as forensic teams and prosecutors gather evidence.