The fire broke out at 2:30 AM local time in the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, where around 500 people were attending a concert by the popular local band DNK.
Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by fireworks used inside the club. The Prosecutor’s Office of North Macedonia confirmed that only one exit was available, while the back door was locked, preventing evacuation.
Authorities also found fire safety and lightning protection system deficiencies during their inspection. The club owner had already been detained earlier.
Tragically, only one member of DNK survived and is currently hospitalized, while the rest of the band perished in the fire.
North Macedonia has declared seven days of national mourning following the incident.
