A catastrophic fire engulfed the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, on March 16, 2025, resulting in at least 59 fatalities and injuring over 155 individuals. The tragedy occurred during a hip-hop concert attended by approximately 1,500 people.
Preliminary investigations suggest that pyrotechnic effects used during the performance ignited the club's ceiling, which was composed of highly flammable materials, causing the fire to spread rapidly. The venue reportedly had only one exit, leading to a chaotic and deadly stampede as attendees attempted to escape.
Among the victims was 25-year-old professional soccer player Andrej Lazarov, who tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue others from the blaze. His heroic actions have been widely praised, with FC Shkupi, his club, expressing profound sorrow over his passing.
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| Late Football Star, Andrej Lazarov |
In response to the disaster, North Macedonia has declared seven days of national mourning. Authorities have detained multiple individuals connected to the incident as investigations continue. The government has also announced plans to enhance safety inspections of similar venues to prevent future tragedies.