A massive fire erupted early Sunday at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, leading to the tragic loss of at least 51 lives and injuring more than 100 individuals. The fire started around 2:30 AM during a performance by local pop group DNK, reportedly triggered by pyrotechnics that ignited the ceiling. Video footage shared on social media captured the moment of the incident, showing thick smoke filling the venue as concertgoers scrambled to escape the chaos, with some being urged to evacuate by the musicians on stage, according to BBC.

North Macedonia's Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed that the fire resulted from sparks generated by the pyrotechnics, which led to a partial collapse of the nightclub's roof. A large number of the injured have been hospitalized with severe burns; many victims were young people and minors. Authorities continue to search for missing individuals as family members gather outside hospitals, desperate for any news about their loved ones. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable,” in a heartfelt message shared via NPR.

As investigations unfold, reports suggest that the nightclub was operating beyond its licensed capacity, with some sources indicating the venue had a legal maximum of 250 patrons, yet hosted over 1,500 during the concert. Local media described the club as "improvised," previously a carpet warehouse, and now considered lacking in safety measures. In light of these findings, authorities have detained several individuals for questioning concerning the circumstances leading to the disaster, with suspicions of corruption arising concerning safety regulations, as noted by India Times.

The reaction from the public and neighboring countries has been one of profound sorrow. Leaders and citizens have expressed condolences, and the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, conveyed intentions of support and solidarity in a message through social media.

This fire is labeled as one of the worst tragedies in the recent history of North Macedonia's small population of under 2 million, marking a significant moment of mourning for the nation. It raises critical questions regarding nightclub safety and emergency preparedness in similar venues across the region. Further updates on casualty numbers and recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring as much support as possible for the affected families.

For ongoing updates on this tragic event, please refer to the original sources: Reuters, Channel News Asia, CBS News.