Key takeaways:

• A fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, resulted in 59 deaths and over 150 injuries during a hip-hop concert.
• The blaze, reportedly caused by pyrotechnics, has ignited widespread protests against perceived corruption and inadequate safety measures.
• Authorities have detained numerous individuals, including the nightclub’s owner and government officials, amidst growing public outrage.

A devastating fire that erupted at Club Pulse during a concert in Kocani, North Macedonia, on Sunday has resulted in a tragic loss of 59 lives and left over 150 people injured. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when sparks from pyrotechnics ignited the ceiling, leading to chaos as panicked concert-goers rushed to escape the flames. Many of the victims, including minors, died from injuries sustained during the ensuing stampede. As the nation mourns, the tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets to protest against perceived corruption and negligence by authorities.

The aftermath of the fire revealed that the nightclub was operating illegally, exceeding its capacity of 250 visitors, with reports indicating it housed nearly double that number during the event. Local authorities have initiated a crackdown, leading to the arrest of around 20 individuals, including the club’s owner and several government officials implicated in regulatory breaches. Interior Minister Panche Toskovski confirmed that the establishment lacked essential safety measures, such as adequate emergency exits and fire extinguishers, while the venue was an improvised facility, having been converted from a carpet warehouse.

The government's investigation has intensified scrutiny concerning the role of corruption, with allegations that safety regulations were circumvented through bribery. The European Union and neighboring countries have extended their support, with medical teams and resources mobilizing to assist in treating the seriously injured. Hospitalization has been necessary for many victims, with about 50 being transferred to facilities in Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia for specialized care. A week of national mourning has been declared, as North Macedonia comes to terms with the tragedy that has fundamentally impacted its young population.

Moving forward, protesters continue to demand justice and accountability, echoing the sentiment that no one should meet such a tragic fate due to systemic failures. The enduring calls for reform emphasize the need for rigorous enforcement of safety standards to prevent future disasters.

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