Key Takeaways:

• Thousands gathered for funerals of the 59 victims of the Kocani nightclub fire.
• The fire, which occurred during a concert, has triggered nationwide mourning and protests.
• Authorities have made over 20 detentions, including local officials, amid corruption allegations.
• Many victims were young people, with the tragedy affecting the small community of Kocani deeply.

In a heartbreaking display of solidarity and sorrow, thousands of mourners gathered across North Macedonia on Thursday for the funerals of the victims of a devastating nightclub fire that occurred on Sunday. The incident is being labeled as the Balkan country's worst disaster in decades, claiming the lives of 59 people and injuring more than 170 others during a concert by the hip-hop duo DNK at the unlicensed Pulse club in Kocani.

The vigil in Kocani was marked by profound grief as the community, comprised of fewer than 30,000 residents, faced the loss of dozens of its young people. Mourners dressed in black carried floral tributes and photographs of their loved ones, each grave adorned with a paper marker identifying the deceased. A local resident lamented the tragedy, stating, "The city is in shock, all these children lost, such a big tragedy that we will never be able to get over," as reported by BBC.

Authorities confirmed that the nightclub operated illegally, lacking essential safety features such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits, which were locked during the fire. The fire broke out around 3 a.m. after the ignition of sparklers on the stage ignited the ceiling. Investigators have detained over 20 individuals, including government officials and the club manager, while public outrage has sparked protests in major cities demanding accountability and an end to corruption in safety regulations. As noted by Reuters, demonstrators showed their anger through acts of vandalism against establishments linked to the club's owner.

Funeral services were not limited to Kocani; similar ceremonies took place in the capital, Skopje, and other towns, reflecting the widespread impact of the tragedy. The country's Orthodox Church led memorial services, emphasizing the need for national unity during this sorrowful time. Archbishop Stefan called for solidarity, stating, "We pray constantly for the salvation of the innocent victims," urging the nation to maintain peace in their hearts as they grieve.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire continues, with many victims, notably young individuals, being treated in hospitals within the country and abroad. Health officials have noted that at least 72 individuals remain hospitalized due to serious injuries sustained during the incident, while the names of all 59 deceased have been released. This incident has left an indelible mark on the community of Kocani and sparked discussions regarding safety practices in nightlife venues across North Macedonia. For further insights, refer to Al Jazeera.