Kočani nightclub fire

2025 fire in North Macedonia

Kočani nightclub fire

Remains of the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, where the fire took place

Location of the nightclub

Date| 16 March 2025 (2025-03-16)
Time| 2:35 am (UTC +1)
Venue| Pulse nightclub
Location| Kočani, North Macedonia
Coordinates| 41°54′18″N 22°23′42″E﻿ / ﻿41.90500°N 22.39500°E﻿ / 41.90500; 22.39500
Cause| Pyrotechnics
Participants| c. 500[1]
Deaths| 62[2]
Non-fatal injuries| 193

On 16 March 2025, a fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, killed 62 people and injured 193. The fire started when sparks from indoor fireworks hit the ceiling and set it alight, rapidly enveloping the venue in thick and toxic smoke. The nightclub was unlicensed and broke numerous safety standards: amongst other things, it lacked sprinklers, sufficient emergency exits, and only had a single fire extinguisher. Rescue efforts were hampered by the nightclub's location in a densely populated neighborhood, which caused firetrucks difficulty in reaching it.

Local hospitals were severely ill-equipped to deal with the influx of victims, with some left lying in the street due to a insufficient number of ambulances. Many of them suffered severe burns, smoke inhalation, and crush injuries after the crowd rushed for the exits. In response to the fire, the European Union (EU) activated its Civil Defense Mechanism to coordinate the air evacuation of victims, many of whom were transported for treatment in EU member states.

It is the deadliest nightclub fire in Europe since the 2015 Bucharest nightclub fire and the deadliest fire in North Macedonia's history. The government ordered a three-day inspection of all nightclubs and cabarets in the country and many entertainment venues were shut down. Government officials, including several ministers and police officers, were arrested as part of the investigation into how the nightclub was given a license. Vigils and tributes were organised nationwide. In the aftermath of the disaster there were numerous anti-corruption protests.

## Background

[edit]

The nightclub was situated in a building formerly used as a carpet warehouse.[3] It was described as an "improvised nightclub" by local reporters and, according to authorities, did not have a legal license to operate,[4] but had been doing so for several years before the fire.[5] According to interior minister Panče Toškovski, the building was only certified for light industry and not for catering, and there was no written contract between the band and the club owners.[6] One resident of Kočani, who had worked there 20 years prior when it housed a textile factory, expressed confusion that such a small building could fit 500 people, and said that it had "very low ceilings".[7]

An inspection after the fire revealed deficiencies in the building's fire-extinguishing and lighting systems. Additionally, only one effective exit was identified in the building, because the venue's back door was locked.[4] Apart from being locked, the back door did not have a handle on the inside, was covered with drywall, and was lined with flammable soundproofing materials. The building was made of flammable drywall, had no fire alarms, and only a single fire extinguisher.[8] The building did not have an emergency electricity disconnect.[9]

## Fire

[edit]

At 2:35 am on 16 March 2025, about 650 people[10] were attending a concert of Macedonian hip-hop duo DNK in the Pulse Nightclub,[11] although only 250 tickets were sold.[12][13] The club was filled with twice of its legal capacity.[14] Perpendicular sparkling gerbs,[3][15] a type of indoor firework, were lit by DNK during their performance at approximately 2:32 am.[10] Their sparks ignited flammable acoustic foam sheets that burned across the roof structure, rapidly engulfing the entire venue in flames and toxic smoke.[16]

Videos of the pyrotechnics and subsequent fire showed attempts to extinguish the flames, with some patrons observing the firefighting while others evacuated.[11] One survivor said that she shouted at a group of children to leave the disco, but they laughed at her.[17] Survivors reported a crowd crush when people rushed towards the club exits,[11] and some victims were trampled to death while trying to escape the club.[14] One survivor described being trampled by the crowd after falling down the stairs.[18] A band member urged the crowd to evacuate during the firefighting, stating: "Everyone get out, we'll be back".[19] Some of the victims attempted to escape through the club's bathroom, but were met with barred windows.[18][20] A 19-year-old, Jovan Kostadinov, rescued 21 people from the club.[21] The municipality of Vinica, Kostadinov's hometown, announced that it would dedicate a commemorative plaque to him and awarded him a monthly subsidy of 6000 MKD for higher education.[22]

The first call to emergency services was received at 2:48 am.[23] Fire crews from nearby cities were also deployed.[24] The rescue efforts were hampered by the inability of firetrucks to access the nightclub, as it was located in a densely populated neighborhood.[25] Authorities rushed dozens of injured people to nearby hospitals in Štip, Kočani and Skopje.[26]

## Casualties

[edit]

### Deaths

[edit]

At least 62 people[27][28][29] aged between 16 and 48, died from the fire, with six of the victims being minors.[30][1] This was the deadliest nightclub fire in Europe since the 2015 Bucharest nightclub fire (also caused by pyrotechnics),[31] and the deadliest fire in North Macedonia's history.[32] A hospital director in Kočani, Kristina Serafimovska, said most of the dead suffered injuries from the stampede of people trying to escape the club.[26] Many victims were difficult to identify due to their lack of identification cards.[11] An ambulance driver in Kočani, Ile Gocevski, who was transporting victims to the hospital throughout the day, died in his sleep on 17 March, a day after the fire, after he had returned home to rest.[33][34] He died of a heart attack caused by overexertion[35] after completing 11 hospital runs overnight.[36] One of his colleagues wrote a social media post calling Macedonian ambulance drivers overworked and underpaid and praising Gocevski's actions. Macedonian Minister of Health Arben Taravari responded to the post, pledging to improve the working conditions and pay of ambulance drivers, and said that their work is often overlooked.[37]

Andreja Gjorgjieski [sr], one of DNK's lead singers, was confirmed dead along with the band's photographer Aleksandar Efremov, backing singer Sara Projkovska, drummer Gjorgji Gjorgiev and keyboard player Filip Stevanovski.[38] Two other band members survived the initial fire, but died later in the afternoon.[39] Vladimir Blažev, the other lead singer, suffered burns to his face and hands and was provided with oxygen therapy.[40][41][42] Shortly after the fire, rumors spread on social media that Gjorgjieski was alive and receiving treatment at his home, but his wife denied them and requested that social media outlets refrain from posting misinformation and for her and her family's privacy to be respected.[43] Per witnesses and his manager, Gjorgjieski returned to rescue the people inside the club,[44][45] and died when the roof collapsed upon him, killing him instantly.[46] Another backing singer, Ana Kostadinovska, was injured in the fire and received treatment at her home;[47][48] she was initially reported missing.[49]

A police officer at the club checking for drugs and minors died as a result of the fire.[50] KF Shkupi football player Andrej Lazarov suffered from smoke inhalation and burn injuries while trying to rescue club patrons, and died a short time after in the hospital.[51][52][53] Damjan Taneski, a young football goalkeeper from Štip, and Petar Ivanovski, a basketball player for Basket Dino Delicacies from Kočani, were also among the victims of the fire.[54][55]

### Injuries

[edit]

As many as 193 people were injured,[27][56] including 20 minors.[12] At least 72 people were hospitalised within North Macedonia, while 101 others were confirmed to have been taken abroad for treatment.[36] Some of those were hospitalized in hospitals of Kočani and Štip. Beside those, some were transported to the hospitals of Skopje. This includes 17 with severe burns who were taken to the St. Naum of Ohrid hospital, 49 to the Clinical Centre of Skopje, and 18 to the "September 8" General Hospital, two of whom were in critical condition.[29] The Kočani regional hospital was severely unequipped for the influx of victims, having only two ambulances and one van with a bed.[57] Radio Kočani reported that the injured were left lying in the street, since there were not enough emergency vehicles to transport them all. Some of the victims were transported to the hospital by civilian bystanders.[58] A brother of one of the victims said that there were corpses in the hospital corridors, and that he had to step over them to check on his injured sister.[59]

Due to the severity of the injuries as a result of burns and smoke inhalation, some of the injured were transferred to specialized units at hospitals and clinics in Skopje and Štip.[60][61] By 17 March, all of the remaining patients at the Kočani general hospital had been transferred to clinics in Skopje.[62] Since the drywall installed on the ceiling of the nightclub contained asbestos, a carcinogen, Minister of Health Taravari instructed the injured and anyone else who was at the scene of the fire to see a doctor because they may have inhaled the asbestos.[63][64] According to Meri Cvetkovska, a professor of civil engineering at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje (UKIM), theories that the asbestos burnt are not true, as asbestos breaks under heat instead of burning. Doctor Bojan Trajkovski said that anyone that was inside the nightclub should be monitored for signs of mesothelioma for the rest of their lives.[65]

On 16 and 17 March, some of the more severely injured persons were transferred to hospitals in other countries; nine patients were transported to Turkey (three to Istanbul and six to Ankara), 14 patients were transported to Bulgaria (eight to Sofia and three each to Varna and Plovdiv).[29] Five people were transferred to Thessaloniki, Greece.[29] Twenty-nine of the injured were sent to four different hospitals in Serbia (Military Medical Academy and Clinical Centre of Serbia in Belgrade, Niš Military Hospital and the Clinical Centre of Niš).[66] Four patients were sent to Lithuania and two each to Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria.[29][66] One of the patients in Lithuania died on 4 April,[67] while a second patient died on 7 April.[68] On 18 March, two patients were transported to Zagreb, Croatia, for further treatment.[69] Four injured patients were transported to hospitals in Italy on a special Italian Air Force flight that landed in Milan.[70]

On the evening of 17 March, Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić visited the injured at the Clinical Centre of Serbia in Belgrade together with health minister Zlatibor Lončar and eleven photojournalists.[71] The citizens of North Macedonia and Serbia on social media accused Vučić of using the occasion for PR and scoring political points.[72] Vučić was photographed touching a patient with his bare hands,[73] and later took off his medical mask while speaking to the press in front of a patient.[74] Similarly, Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, accompanied by several other officials, visited the injured in Skopje hospitals on the evening of 17 March and again on 18 March, before their families were allowed to see them, and without all proper safety measures. One man in Mickoski's company was seen without a mask.[75]

### International medical assistance

[edit]

In response to the disaster, the European Union activated its Civil Protection Mechanism and coordinated air evacuation.[76][77] On 16 March, Bulgaria sent an Alenia C-27J Spartan military aircraft to transport eight of the most critically wounded victims to the Pirogov Hospital in Sofia and the Military-Medical Academy in Varna, while six more were transported with ambulances to Sofia and Plovdiv.[78] The director of the Pirogov Hospital said that she expects the death toll to rise, as all the victims of the fire that they have received are in "very poor condition", suffering burns to their respiratory tracts.[79] On 18 March, one more patient was admitted for treatment in Pirogov Hospital, and the Macedonian authorities were offered to admit 10 more people for treatment.[80] That same day, the Bulgarian Red Cross, Pirogov Hospital and the National Center for Transfusion Hematology organised a blood donation campaign to help the injured in Bulgaria, supported by the Military Medical Academy.[81][82] By 19 March, more than 600 Bulgarians had donated blood in three cities for the victims of the fire.[83]

On 16 March, Serbia sent a CASA C-295 of the Serbian Air Force to pick up 12 of the most critically injured victims, who were transported to the Military-Medical Academy and the Clinical Centre of Serbia.[84] Additionally, Serbia sent five ambulances with 14 medical personnel to assist crowded hospitals in North Macedonia.[85] Two ambulances drove two of the most critically injured to Niš, where they were admitted to the Clinical Centre of Niš and the Niš Military Hospital, and three other ambulances drove to Belgrade, where an additional three injured were admitted to Military-Medical Academy and Clinical Centre of Serbia.[86] An anesthesiologist at the Military Medical Academy, Goran Rondović, said that both patients that they received were in critical condition but were stable. Out of 10 patients transported to the Military Medical Academy, six were in the intensive care unit and four were receiving reconstructive surgery.[87] As of 19 March, 30 of the most critically injured are being treated in Serbian hospitals, transported both via air and ground.[88]

Number of international hospitalizations from the Kočani nightclub fire[88]

A Romanian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft, configured for medical missions, departed on 17 March from Otopeni to carry out a humanitarian mission to transport four patients diagnosed with burns from Skopje to a hospital in Vilnius, Lithuania,[89] including Aleksandar Karadakoski, a bartender at the nightclub, who later died of his injuries.[90] Three more victims were transported to Turkey and three to Greece.[91] In the Netherlands, burn centers in Groningen, Beverwijk and Rotterdam committed to providing medical assistance and shelter to victims.[92] Slovenia sent a military aircraft to transport two burn victims to the Ljubljana University Medical Centre with another two being transported to the Maribor University Medical Centre.[93] On 17 March, a Hellenic Air Force C-130 aircraft transported three critically injured victims in intensive care to a military hospital in Athens.[94] According to Greek Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, three hospitals in Athens and one in Thessaloniki were put on heightened alert.[95] That same day, three flights took place from Vogler Air Force Base to Skopje with an Austrian Air Force Medevac C-130 Hercules to hospitals in Graz and Vienna.[96][97]

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced on 17 March that two Croatian Army helicopters would transport four of the wounded on 19 March to Croatia for treatment.[98] On 17 March, Czechia announced the deployment of ten military medical personnel from the Central Military Hospital to North Macedonia after North Macedonia requested assistance.[99] On 18 March, Poland announced that it would provide care for two injured people at the Eastern Center for Burn Treatment and Reconstructive Surgery in Łęczna, with the transport of patients carried out by the Polish Medical Air Rescue.[100] Belgium deployed its Belgian First Aid and Support team (B-FAST) to provide emergency medical aid to the victims of the fire on 19 March, taking four patients.[101][102] On 20 March, an additional three victims of the fire were airlifted to the Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul.[103] On 20 March, Spain announced that it would treat seven of the victims in Madrid, with five being transported to Hospital Universitario La Paz and two going to the University Hospital of Getafe.[104][105] On the same day, the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services transported seven patients to Spain for hospital treatment in a plane requisitioned from Scandinavian Airlines.[106]

### Funerals

[edit]

The funerals of the victims were held on 20 March in Štip, Kočani, and Obleševo.[107] The funeral in Kočani was officiated by Stefan, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, and was restricted to the relatives of the victims.[108] The beginning of the ceremony was briefly interrupted after some mourners fainted.[109] Among the deceased members of DNK, Gjorgjieski was buried in the Butel municipal cemetery, Projkovska in Gorno Lisiče, Gjorgiev in Strumica, while Stevanovski, Kolarov and Efremov were buried in Štip.[110]

The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services requested that the media "adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards" while reporting on the funerals[107] and said that media should refrain from taking pictures of the graves or violating mourners' privacy.[111] The North Macedonian government condemned unnamed foreign media outlets whom they alleged "crossed every line of humanity and dignity in reporting on the tragic funeral in Kočani".[112] The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) condemned the usage of footage of "graves, close family members, and private moments" of the victims by the Serbian media outlets Republika, Kurir, Blic, Alo!, Telegraf, and Mondo, and requested that the Serbian Ministry of Information and Telecommunications take action. NUNS said that the coverage was a violation of the Serbian Journalists' Code of Ethics, which forbids "reporting on funerals of private individuals", and that such coverage "is not in the public interest".[113] The Ministry of Information and Telecommunications condemned the footage in a statement, and publicly ordered the aforementioned media outlets to immediately remove it from their websites, saying that the media outlets "violated the dignity of the victims, caused anxiety among their relatives and the entire public, and demonstrated a lack of awareness of the need to respect elementary professional standards".[114]

## Aftermath

[edit]

The café "Klasik", owned by the same individual as Pulse, that was demolished as a result of the protests in Kočani

A candlelight vigil was held in Kočani.[115] KF Shkupi paid tribute to Andrej Lazarov in a club statement.[116] In the wake of the fire, a series of spontaneous protests unfolded across the country. That evening, citizens began gathering in city squares including Kočani, Štip, Vinica, Strumica, and Gevgelija to mourn and seek justice.[117] The following day, 17 March, saw peaceful protests and tributes nationwide. In Kočani, the protest intensified when some citizens, primarily youths, threw eggs, glass bottles and other objects at the municipal building, damaging the façade and breaking windows. The police blocked them from entering the building.[118][119] They called for the appearance of Mayor Ljupčo Papazov, who had already stepped down.[120]

A group then vandalized the Klasik café bar and a vehicle owned by the same individual associated with the Pulse nightclub. Protesters approached the Kočani Macedonian Police station, confronting officers without major incidents.[121] A crowd overturned a car belonging to the owner of the Pulse Nightclub[122] and tried to set his house on fire.[123] Police tried to calm the situation by telling the crowd that there were children inside the building, but the crowd responded that no one prevented the deaths of the child victims of the fire.[122] On 18 March, a crowd approached Papazov's house and attempted to breach the police barrier so that they could pelt the house with stones, but a priest pacified them, saying "Let's save the children first, then we'll burn down the city if you want."[124]

Paying tribute to Gjorgji Gjorgiev and the victims of the Kočani fire in Strumica

In Štip, students rallied, demanding accountability for the disaster that claimed five of their fellow residents. The demonstration began in the city square and moved towards the municipal building.[125] At noon, thousands of students in Skopje observed a seven-minute silence at UKIM to honor the 59 lives lost. Speeches by Education and Science Minister Vesna Janevska [mk] and Rector Biljana Angelova were briefly interrupted when two attendees collapsed, requiring medical attention.[126][127] Students began to whistle and shout at Janevska, interrupting her speech, and riot police surrounded her.[128] Strumica also witnessed a peaceful gathering in its city square, with participants demanding justice for the fire victims. Gjorgji Gjorgiev, the drummer of the band DNK, was among the deceased; he hailed from Strumica.[126] Additional peaceful protests occurred in Bitola, Kavadarci, Probištip, Tetovo, Veles, and other cities.[129][130][131] The next day, 18 March, a public gathering was scheduled in Ohrid, as well as a student gathering at 18:00 (CET) on Macedonia Square in Skopje.[132][133]

On 18 March 2025, people gathered at Macedonia Square in Skopje to pay tribute to the victims of the Kočani nightclub fire. During a moment of silence, they turned on their phone flashes and pointed them toward the sky as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

On 18 March, rallies were held in every city across North Macedonia to honor the deceased and demand justice and accountability for the victims of the fire. The demonstrations, primarily organized by university students and high schoolers, drew participants of all ages.[134]

A massive rally took place at Macedonia Square, gathering several thousand citizens.[135] Following the protest, seven media workers, including journalists from Reuters, were detained at the Centar police station. Authorities justified their detention by claiming they had been broadcasting live drone footage and the usage of drones was banned, although there was no timely notice.[136] A similar incident occurred in Kočani, where a crew from the Bulgarian television station BTV was also detained for operating a drone.[137] On 22 March, North Macedonians in Thessaloniki gathered in Aristotelous Square to observe 60 minutes of silence, for all of the victims and the ambulance driver.[138]

On 24 March, a rally with several thousand attendees was held by protest movement Who is Next?, at which where activists called for accountability for the fire by the government, as they did not believe that they government would honor their promises and the law.[139] The crowd approached the St. Naum of Ohrid hospital, where they applauded and praised the doctors and nurses, and then went to a government building where they called the government "murderers" and demanded the "entire government['s]" resignation.[140] On 26 March, Projkovska's students (she was a professor at UKIM) released 60 white balloons from the balcony of the UKIM Faculty of Music and held musical performances in her honor.[141] On 29 March, Who is Next? held a protest outside the Sobranie Palace, the seat of the Assembly of North Macedonia.[142]

On 5 April, a protest in Kočani was held under the March for the Angels, which involved the families of some of the victims.[143] On 19 April, families of the victims of the fire held a protest rally in Kočani demanding for the investigation and prosecutions to be increased in scope and accelerated. The rally ended in front of the Kočani local prosecutor's office.[144]

## Investigation

[edit]

North Macedonia's Interior Minister, Panče Toškovski said that the nightclub's operating license was obtained as a result of corruption and bribery.[145] Later reports simply referred to the nightclub as unlicensed.[146][147][148] Toškovski said that the homes of two former Ministry of Economy employees were searched, and technical equipment, documentation, weapons, ammunition were seized.[149] On 18 March, Toškovski said that local police from Štip and Veles that were investigating the fire would be replaced with officers from Skopje, to ensure that "process proceeds without pressure, suspicion, or undue influence", but added that the decision does not "imply guilt" upon the local police officers.[12] The government ordered a three-day inspection of all nightclubs and cabarets in the country.[150] An inspection found significant safety violations at the Pulse Nightclub:[8][42]

* The venue lacked basic fire safety equipment, including sufficient fire extinguishers and a functional fire alarm system.
* The club had only one accessible exit, as the back door was locked, severely hindering evacuation efforts during the fire.
* The building had undergone unauthorized modifications, including the use of illegal soundproofing materials, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

At a press conference on 17 March, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that only 12 legal licenses for nightclubs had been issued throughout the country, and the Pulse Nightclub was not one of them.[151] Just one day later, the government spokesperson announced that there were in fact 22 legal licenses, out of 50 inspected establishments.[152] A further 15 of the 50 did not have licenses or had expired licenses.[153] As a result, many nightclubs and entertainment venues were shut down.[154] Three licensed nightclubs were closed down and their licenses were revoked after investigations found numerous deficiencies.[155] Police visited all 12 companies in North Macedonia that are licensed to handle pyrotechnics.[156] On 20 March, the state public prosecutor, Ljupčo Kocevski, said there is an ongoing investigation into "bribery, illegalities in the procurement of pyrotechnics, and several other crimes".[157]

## Legal

[edit]

Kreshnik Bekteshi, former Minister of Economy, was one of the politicians arrested as part of the investigation.

As of 13 April 2025, 52 people and three companies have been placed under investigation over the fire.[158][159] At least 34 people have been identified as suspects, with 27 people and three entities being criminally investigated.[160] Former Ministry of Economy State Secretary Razmena Čekić Đurović was arrested after investigators discovered she signed the forged license the nightclub was operating under.[161] Authorities confirmed that the Pulse Nightclub's license document was not found in the government's license database, even though it was issued on official government stationery and was signed by employees of the Ministry of Economy.[162] The owner of the nightclub, Dejan Jovanov, was arrested,[163] as was his son.[164] Jovanov's residence, vehicle, and businesses were searched by police, and electronic devices and "documentation" found in his home were seized.[165]

On 20 March, seven police officers were arrested for having allegedly "prepared, signed, and approved" a consent form for the nightclub to obtain a catering license, even though the club did not meet the minimum requirements to do so.[166] Seven additional police officers were arrested on 15 April, all of them either employees of the Štip department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Kočani police.[167][168] Three former mayors of Kočani were arrested on 20 March - Ratko Dimitrovski, Nikolčo Iliev, and Ljupčo Papazov (who had resigned after the fire) - under suspicion of involvement with the illegal operations of the nightclub.[169][170] They were charged with failing to prevent the nightclub from continuing to illegally operate.[171] As of 17 April 2025[update], Dimitrovski, Iliev, and Papazov are under house arrest.[172] Papazov was initially imprisoned.[173]

On 17 March, former State Market Inspectorate Director Goran Trajkovski was also arrested. On the same day, former Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi [mk] was arrested,[174] questioned at a Skopje police station,[14] and brought to testify before a pre-trial judge;[175] though Bekteshi's wife claims that he turned himself in instead of being arrested.[176] Toškovski said that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would file criminal charges against Bekteshi after the investigation is completed.[177] On 25 March, the nightclub owner's wife and daughter were arrested.[160] On 12 April, former Ministers of Economy Valon Saraçini and Bekim Neziri [sq] and Director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue Šaban Saliu [mk] were arrested.[178]

### Public response

[edit]

The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), a political party representing the interests of the Albanian ethnic minority in North Macedonia, expressed doubt in the legality and impartiality of the investigation, especially regarding its methodology, possible governmental interference in the prosecutor's office, and politically motivated arrests.[179][180] In a later statement, DUI claimed that the investigation was "a sui generis example of legal improvisation, driven not by law, but by a desire for applause" and said that the legal system was being "abuse[d]".[181] In particular, they criticized the withdrawal of a public prosecutor from the investigation and the release most of the suspects from prison, except for Kreshnik Bekteshi, whom they called a longtime victim of "political retaliation".[182]

Bogdanka Kuzeska, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), accused Toškovski of conducting the investigation "selectively" by only arresting former VMRO-DPMNE officials, none of whom were in office after 2022. She said that Toškovski was attempting to "protect current high-ranking officials, public servants, and chiefs" who failed to prevent the fire; in particular, the head of the Internal Affairs Directorate in Kočani, Marija Cvetkovska Manevska, and the Kočani police chief, Tomo Donev, neither of whom were arrested.[183]

## Reactions

[edit]

### Domestic

[edit]

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sadness over the nightclub fire, saying the loss of so many young lives was irreparable, and that the government was fully mobilised to help determine the cause of the fire.[184] President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited some of the fire victims in hospitals and met with their relatives.[3] She called for punishment for those responsible for the fire and said, "Nothing is worthier than human life, specifically young life."[4] The mayor of Kočani, Ljupčo Papazov, resigned on 17 March.[185] In a social media post announcing his resignation, he called for a thorough investigation into the fire and for national unity amongst Macedonians.[186] Minister of Health Arben Taravari said that representatives would be appointed to inform parents of the victims transported outside the country of their relatives' condition every four to five hours.[187] Toškovski announced on 20 March that all Macedonian telephone operators had decided to exempt all phone numbers of Macedonians abroad from roaming and internet fees, so that they can contact their relatives in North Macedonia and institutions, if necessary.[188]

Seven days of national mourning were declared for the victims.[189][190] Two 18-year-olds were arrested in Skopje on the night of 19 March for violating the national mourning period, after it was determined that they held a birthday celebration at a restaurant in the Skopje City Park and also set off fireworks there.[191] The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services advised the media to "broadcast/publish content that, in terms of its media function, corresponds to the days of mourning", and stipulated that the broadcast music should be from "musical genres appropriate for days of mourning", all comedic and entertainment shows should be postponed, and advertisements should not be shown during the days of mourning. For the duration of the period of mourning, they also temporarily lifted a requirement that broadcasters broadcast a certain percentage of Macedonian music.[192]

Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov [mk], announced the cancellation of all cultural activities conducted by the Ministry of Culture and its national institutions scheduled for the next week.[193][194] He offered his support to the victims and their relatives, and said that all cultural institutions in Skopje will provide support if necessary.[195] The Macedonian National Theater announced the cancellation of all performances scheduled between 17 and 22 March, and that relatives of the victims in Skopje to visit their injured relatives in hospital would be provided with accommodation in the theater's dressing rooms and suites.[196] In Skopje, many hotels and restaurants offered free accommodation and food for the relatives of victims being treated in Skopje.[197] The Macedonian government opened a hotline for psychological support for the victims and their families.[198] The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services announced a 1,500,000 MKD donation to the Macedonian Red Cross [mk]'s Solidarity Fund to assist the victims of the fire.[199] The UKIM students' union donated the 415,724 MKD that they collected at student gatherings to the fund.[200] As of 20 March 2025[update], 34,836,205 MKD was donated to the Solidarity Fund in total.[201]

The North Macedonia national football team with permission from UEFA wore a black and grey kit during their first two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches to honour the victims. During their matches on 22 March against Liechtenstein and on 25 March against Wales, both teams wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before kick-off.[202] In addition, the Football Federation of North Macedonia donated all proceeds from ticket sales for the match against Wales in Skopje to the victims and their families.[203][204] On 1 April, North Macedonia's parliament approved a ban of the usage of pyrotechnics in enclosed spaces.[205]

### International

[edit]

Politicians from the European Union,[206] Albania,[207] Azerbaijan,[208] Belarus,[209] Bosnia and Herzegovina,[210] Bulgaria,[211] Croatia,[212] the Czech Republic,[213] Georgia,[214] Greece,[215] Ireland,[216] Israel,[217] Italy,[218] Kosovo,[219] Latvia,[220] Lithuania,[221] Moldova,[222] Montenegro,[223] Norway,[224] Poland,[225] Romania,[226] Russia,[227] Serbia,[228] Slovakia,[229] Slovenia,[230] Sweden,[231] Turkey,[232] Ukraine,[233] and the United Arab Emirates[234] expressed their condolences over the loss of life and offered support to the Macedonian authorities.

Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople also sent their condolences.[235][236] Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Serbia declared 18 March a national day of mourning in solidarity with North Macedonia.[237][238][239] Montenegro also declared a day of mourning on 17 March.[240] Macedonian health minister Arben Taravari acknowledged receiving offers of assistance from neighbouring countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.[3]

On 18 March, a group of residents in Novi Sad, Serbia, gathered in Freedom Square to light candles in honour of the victims of the fire.[241]

## See also

[edit]

* List of nightclub fires
* List of fireworks accidents and incidents
* The Station nightclub fire, 2003 nightclub fire caused by on-stage pyrotechnics and flammable acoustic foam sheets
* Lame Horse fire, 2009 nightclub fire caused by pyrotechnics, flammable decorative twigs and polymers
* Kiss nightclub fire, 2013 nightclub fire caused by on-stage pyrotechnics and flammable acoustic foam sheets

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Nikolik, Nevenka (16 March 2025). "MoI: Three minors confirmed dead so far, more than 20 injured in Kochani nightclub fire". Media Information Agency. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
2. ^ "Почина уште еден изгорен од дискотеката во Кочани". Fakror Portal (in Macedonian). 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
3. ^ a b c d Testorides, Konstantin; Grdanoski, Boris (16 March 2025). "59 dead and more than 150 injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia". Associated Press. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
4. ^ a b c Wright, George; Smith, Cachella (17 March 2025). "'I had one child and I lost him' - North Macedonia mourns nightclub disaster". BBC News. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
5. ^ Gooch, Bryony (17 March 2025). "North Macedonia fire: Everything we know about nightclub blaze in Kocani town". The Independent. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
6. ^ "Тошковски: Пиротехничките средства ги донел бендот ДНК, концертот бил одржан на диво" [Toškovski: Pyrotechnics were brought by the band DNA, concert was held illegally]. Makfax (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
7. ^ Apostolov, Vlado; Magleshov, Vasko; Sherifi, Afije (18 March 2025). "After the Fire: Anger, But Few Answers, in Grief-Stricken North Macedonia Town". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
8. ^ a b "Дискотеката во Кочани имала само два противпожарни апарати, немала хидрантска мрежа, имала само една импровизирана врата и таа била затворена: Обвинителството регистрирало бројни неправилности" [Disco in Kočani had only two fire extinguishers, no sprinkler system, only one makeshift door and it was closed: Prosecution registered numerous irregularities]. Makfax (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
9. ^ Kramarska, Sonja (19 March 2025). "Пожарот во Кочани- резултат на децениска негрижа и корупција" [Fire in Kočani - the result of decades of neglect and corruption]. Deutsche Welle (in Macedonian). Retrieved 19 March 2025.
10. ^ a b "Коцевски: 34 лица осомничени за пожарот во Кочани". Deutsche Welle (in Macedonian). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
11. ^ a b c d Hagan, Rachel; Cursino, Malu; Delauney, Guy (16 March 2025). "North Macedonia nightclub fire claims more than 50 lives in Kocani". BBC News. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
12. ^ a b c "Pain and anger grip N. Macedonia town after fire tragedy". Radio France Internationale. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
13. ^ Delauney, Guy; Peter, Laurence (17 March 2025). "Angry protests after North Macedonia nightclub disaster". BBC News. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
14. ^ a b c Testorides, Konstantin; Bajrami, Florent (17 March 2025). "North Macedonia nightclub fire sparks outrage, disbelief and calls for punishment". PBS News. Associated Press. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
15. ^ "Footballer, 25, dies saving lives in North Macedonia Nightclub fire". The Express Tribune. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
16. ^ "At least 59 people killed in nightclub fire in North Macedonia". Al Jazeera. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
17. ^ Beljan, Mateja (16 March 2025). "Andrea i Jovana za Telegraf o užasu iz diskoteke smrti: "Roditelji su tražili svoju decu, da vide da li dišu"" [Andrea and Jovana to Telegraf about the horror of the disco of death: "Parents were looking for their children, to see if they were breathing"]. Telegraf.rs (in Serbian). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
18. ^ a b Testorides, Konstantin; Grdanoski, Boris (16 March 2025). "Fire rips through overcrowded nightclub in North Macedonia, leaving dozens dead in panicked escape". Associated Press. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
19. ^ "Video released: "Everyone get out, we'll be back" was heard from the scene when the fire broke out at the disco in Kocani". Telegrafi. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
20. ^ "Novi detalji: Na prozorima diskoteke bile rešetke, deca živa izgorela". B92 (in Serbian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
21. ^ "Silent Hero of Kočani Fire: 19-Year-Old Saves 21 Lives". Euronews Albania. 20 March 2025.
22. ^ "Нашиот Јован се намокрил целиот, ставил мокра маица на уста и нос и така спасил 21 живот од пожарот во Кочанската дискотека, велат за Виничкиот средношколец во неговата гимназија". Sakam da kažam (in Macedonian). 25 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
23. ^ "59 people died, the youngest victim was 14 years old; Terrible details of the tragedy revealed". B92. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
24. ^ Bellamy, Daniel (16 March 2025). "Fire at nightclub in town of Kočani in North Macedonia kills 59 people". Euronews. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
25. ^ "Зошто пожарот во клубот во Кочани беше толку смртоносен?" [Why was the fire at the club in Kočani so deadly?]. Deutsche Welle (in Macedonian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
26. ^ a b "Blaze kills 59 in North Macedonia nightclub". France 24. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
27. ^ a b "Пожарот во Кочани ја зеде 62-та жртва, пациент во Белград подлегна на повредите". Nova Makedonija (in Macedonian). 17 April 2025.
28. ^ "Уште една жртва од пожарот во Кочани, почина управителот на дискотеката „Пулс"" [Another victim of the Kočani fire, the manager of the Pulse club died]. Makfax (in Macedonian). 4 April 2025.
29. ^ a b c d e Stojanovska Zoksimovska, Sunčica (17 March 2025). "Povrijeđeni iz Kočana sa teškim opekotinama poslani u najmanje šest zemalja" [Injured from Kočani with severe burns sent to at least six countries]. Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Serbo-Croatian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
30. ^ "6 малолетници на возраст од 16 и 17 години загинаа во Кочани: Највозрасната жртва имаше 48 години" [6 minors aged 16 and 17 died in Kočani: The oldest victim was 48 years old]. Plusinfo (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Archived from the original on 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
31. ^ Kreps, Daniel (16 March 2025). "At Least 59 Dead After Concert Pyrotechnics Spark Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 18 March 2025. "... was also the deadliest nightclub fire in Europe since 2015, when 64 people were killed in a Bucharest, Romania venue where pyrotechnics also caused a fire"
32. ^ "Пожарот во "Пулс" е трета најголема трагедија во Македонија според жртвите" [The fire at "Pulse" is the third biggest tragedy in Macedonia in terms of victims]. Nezavisen Vesnik (in Macedonian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
33. ^ "Утрово почина долгогодишен шофер на возила во Итната помош Кочани" [This morning, a long-time Kočani Emergency Service vehicle driver died]. Sitel Televizija (in Macedonian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
34. ^ "Иле Гоцевски беше на првата линија, некои болки се преголеми, некои загуби се претешки за да се носат, рече Таравари за смртта на возачот на Итната помош" [Ile Gocevski was on the front line, some pains are too great, some losses are too heavy to bear, Taravari said about the death of the ambulance driver]. Makfax (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
35. ^ "Потресна исповед на сопругата на починатиот возач на Брзата помош: "Превезе 32 души таа ноќ"" [Shocking confession from the wife of the deceased ambulance driver: "He transported 32 people that night"]. Nezavisen Vesnik (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
36. ^ a b "North Macedonia holds mass funerals for young victims of nightclub fire". AP News. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
37. ^ "Stefan je sa vozačem Hitne koji je preminuo spasavao nakon požara u Kočanima: "Držao sam tela dece prijatelja"" [Stefan was involved in rescue operations with the deceased ambulance driver after the fire in Kočani: "I was holding the bodies of my friends' children"]. Telegraf.rs (in Serbian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
38. ^ Reed, Magdalena (16 March 2025). "DNK band members, including lead singer, confirmed dead in Kochani fire". Media Information Agency.
39. ^ "Tragedy in Kocani, among the victims are 5 members of the musical group DNK". KosovaPress.com. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
40. ^ "23-year-old drummer of the band DNK, among the victims in the discotheque fire in Kocani". Telegrafi. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
41. ^ Waterfield, Bruno (16 March 2025). "North Macedonia nightclub fire kills at least 59". The Times. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
42. ^ a b Hagan, Rachel; Cursino, Malu; Delauney, Guy (16 March 2025). "Fifteen detained after North Macedonia nightclub fire kills 59". BBC News. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
43. ^ "Oglasila se besna udovica pevača iz DNK! Objavila sliku kluba: "Da li su pirotehniku i na drugim nastupima..."" [The furious widow of the DNK singer has spoken out! She posted a picture of the club: "Did they use pyrotechnics at other performances too..."]. Telegraf.rs (in Serbian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
44. ^ "Last footage of DNK group members before they died in fire in Macedonia". Telegrafi. March 2025.
45. ^ Davis, Barney (17 March 2025). "Singer 'died a hero' running back into North Macedonia nightclub fire to rescue young fans". The Independent.
46. ^ Rančić, Ivana (17 March 2025). ""Кров се срушио на њега када се вратио да спаси децу" Настрадалог певача групе ДНК супруга у мртвачници препознала по овом детаљу". Srbija Danas (in Serbian). Retrieved 21 April 2025.
47. ^ Carovska, M. (16 March 2025). "Во пожарот во Кочани почина Сара Пројковска, професорка на ФМУ и придружен вокал на „ДНК"". Sakam da kažam (in Macedonian). Retrieved 21 April 2025.
48. ^ Klinčarova, Viki (17 March 2025). "Ана, придружниот вокал на ДНК е ќерка на легендарниот Кире Костов: Со Сара беа неразделни повеќе од две децении!". Fokus (in Macedonian). Retrieved 21 April 2025.
49. ^ Stojković, Sara (17 March 2025). "Још увек се трага за Аном из групе "ДНК", док је њена сестра трагично погинула у пожару". Srbija Danas (in Serbian). Retrieved 21 April 2025.
50. ^ Nastoski, Zarko (16 March 2025). "Toshkovski: Policeman died in a disco in Kocani, he was checking for minors in the facility". Sloboden Pečat. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
51. ^ "FC Skopje footballer dies after injuries sustained in fire in Kocani". Kosova Press. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
52. ^ Daskalov, Stefab (16 March 2025). "Shkupi footballer Andrej Lazarov has been found". Sloboden Pečat. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
53. ^ Dridi, Léa (17 March 2025). "Andrej Lazarov, footballeur professionnel, est décédé dans un incendie en discothèque en voulant sauver des vies" [Professional footballer Andrej Lazarov died in a fire at a nightclub while trying to save lives]. L'Équipe (in French). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
54. ^ "Млад голман од Штип е меѓу жртвите на пожарот во Кочани" [A young goalkeeper from Štip is among the victims of the fire in Kočani]. Gol (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
55. ^ "Почина уште еден спортист – Баскет Дино се збогуваше од младиот Ивановски!" [Another athlete has passed away – Basket Dino said goodbye to young Ivanovski!]. Gol (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
56. ^ "Завршена е обдукцијата на загинатите, во пожарот се повредени 196 лица од кои 20 се деца - уапсено е лицето кое е потписник на основен проект за издавање на кабаре клуб" [Autopsy of the deceased has been completed, 196 people were injured in the fire, 20 of whom are children - the person who signed the basic plan for renting a cabaret club has been arrested]. Točka (in Macedonian). Makfax. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
57. ^ "Кочанската болница има само ДВЕ амбулантни комбиња – со натчовечки напори вработените беа во борба со секоја секунда за помош" [The Kočani hospital has only TWO ambulance vans – with superhuman effort, the employees were fighting every second to get help]. Metropola.mk (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
58. ^ "Најголема катастрофа и трагедија досега во Кочани" [The largest disaster and tragedy ever in Kočani]. Radio Kočani (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
59. ^ Martens, Michael (16 March 2025). "59 Tote in Mazedonien: "Auf den Krankenhausfluren liegen Tote, man muss über Leichen steigen"" [59 dead in Macedonia: "There are dead people lying in the hospital corridors, you must step over corpses"]. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
60. ^ Pesikj, Zvezdanka (16 March 2025). "Трагедија во Кочани: Пожар" [Tragedy in Kočani: Fire]. Antropol (in Macedonian). Retrieved 16 March 2025.
61. ^ "Трагедија во Кочани - Сите вести за пожарот на едно место" [Tragedy in Kočani – All the news about the fire in one place]. Nova Makedonija (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
62. ^ "Тивко и тажно е во Кочани еден ден по трагичниот пожар" [Kočani is quiet and sad one day after the tragic fire]. Frontline (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
63. ^ "Everyone who was at the scene of the tragedy in Kočani is in danger; Doctors issued a warning". B92. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
64. ^ Nikolovska, Biljana (18 March 2025). "Dok se istražuje odgovornost za požar u Kočanima, na vidjelo izlaze kršenja zakona u radu klubova" [While the responsibility for the fire in Kočani is being investigated, violations of the law in the club's operations are coming to light]. Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Serbian). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
65. ^ Simonovska, Miroslava (19 March 2025). "The burnt-out Pulse disco released carcinogenic asbestos particles into the air". Sloboden Pečat. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
66. ^ a b "Stanje pacijenata iz Severne Makedonije u Srbiji teško i ozbiljno; Povređene posetio predsednik" [Condition of patients from North Macedonia in Serbia is serious and difficult; the injured were visited by the President]. JMU Radio-televizija Vojvodine (in Serbian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
67. ^ "The death toll in the North Macedonia nightclub fire rises to 60 after a burn victim dies". AP News. 4 April 2025. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
68. ^ "Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire rises to 61". AP News. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
69. ^ "Dvoje povređenih iz Kočana stiglo na lečenje u Zagreb" [Two injured people from Kočani arrived in Zagreb for treatment]. Danas (in Serbian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
70. ^ "Incendio discoteca in Macedonia del Nord: quattro feriti assistiti in Italia". Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (in Italian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
71. ^ Diković, Jelena (18 March 2025). "Vučić sa 11 kamera obišao žrtve požara u Kočanima, Makedonci besni na predsednika Srbije i nisu jedini" [Vučić visits fire victims in Kočani with 11 cameras, Macedonians are furious with the Serbian president and they are not the only ones]. Danas (in Serbian). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
72. ^ "Serbian president sparks outrage with visit to Kocani fire victims". bne IntelliNews. 18 March 2025.
73. ^ "Hirurg Dugalić: Javno se odričem kolega koje su pustile da Vučić uđe na intenzivnu negu" [Surgeon Dugalić: I publicly disown my colleagues who let Vučić enter the intensive care unit]. N1 (in Serbian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
74. ^ "Pre porodica, Vučić obišao povređene u požaru: Makedonci oštri na mrežama - zloupotreba za političke poene" [Before families, Vučić visited those injured in the fire: Macedonians are harsh on social media - misuse for political points]. N1 (in Serbian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
75. ^ "Родителите не можат да ги посетат пациентите, а премиерот може" [Parents cannot visit patients, but the Prime Minister can]. Nezavisen Vesnik (in Macedonian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
76. ^ Mary Drosopoulos (26 March 2025). "Kočani: Greece stands with North Macedonia". Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa.
77. ^ Altiparmakova-Marusic, Bisera (17 March 2025). "EU coordinating medical evacuation of burn victims after deadly Kochani fire". Media Information Agency. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
78. ^ "The "Spartan" aircraft transports 8 injured fire victims from North Macedonia to Bulgarian hospitals". Nova.bg. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
79. ^ Martens, Michael (17 March 2025). "Tödlicher Brand in Klub: Es gab weder genügend Feuerlöscher noch ein Sprinklersystem" [Deadly fire in club: There were neither sufficient fire extinguishers nor a sprinkler system]. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
80. ^ Още един пострадал от пожара в Кочани е настанен в Пирогов. OFFNews, 18 март 2025 г.
81. ^ Vodenicharova, Yoana; Peeva, Desislava (18 March 2025). "Blood Donation Campaign Launched at Military Medical Academy to Support Those Injured in Kocani Nightclub Fire". Bulgarian News Agency. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
82. ^ "Hundreds of people in Sofia donate blood for the victims of the Kocani fire tragedy". Bulgarian National Radio. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
83. ^ "Над 600 души са дарили кръв в София за жертвите в Кочани" [Over 600 people donated blood in Sofia for the victims in Kočani]. Sega (in Bulgarian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
84. ^ Stojković, Milena (16 March 2025). "Avion sa povređenim iz Severne Makedonije sleteo u Batajnicu" [A plane with injured people from North Macedonia landed in Batajnica]. Blic.rs (in Serbian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
85. ^ "5 sanitetskih vozila na putu za makedoniju: Povređeni će biti primljeni u Vojnu bolnicu Niš i na VMA" [5 ambulance vehicles on the way to Macedonia: The injured will be admitted to the Military Hospital Niš and the Military Medical Academy]. Pančevac (in Serbian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
86. ^ "Лекари и медицински техничари од Србија со авион пристигнаа во Македонија" [Doctors and medical technicians from Serbia arrived in Macedonia by plane]. Fokus (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
87. ^ "Анестезиолог во ВМА: Тешка е здравствената состојба на повредените од Кочани" [Anesthesiologist at the Military Medical Academy: Condition of the injured from Kočani is serious]. Nezavisen Vesnik (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
88. ^ a b "Дома се лекуваат 77, во странство 101 повреден во пожарот Министерството за здравство ги објави деталите" [77 of those injured in the fire at being treated domestically, 101 are being treated abroad: Ministry of Health announced the details]. plusinfo.mk (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
89. ^ "România transportă patru răniți grav în incendiul din Macedonia de Nord în Lituania cu o aeronavă militară" [Romania transports four seriously injured in the fire in North Macedonia to Lithuania with a military aircraft]. Focus Press (in Romanian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
90. ^ Nikolovska, Biljana (7 April 2025). "Тивко „пулсира" истрагата за пожарот во дискотеката Пулс во Кочани". Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Macedonian). Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
91. ^ "27 најтешко повредени од пожарот во Кочани се пренесуваат на лекување во Бугарија, Грција, Турција и Србија" [27 severely injured victims of the Kočani fire are being transferred to Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and Serbia for treatment]. SDK (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
92. ^ "Nederlandse brandwondencentra klaar voor opvang slachtoffers Noord-Macedonië" [Dutch burn centres ready to receive victims of North Macedonia]. Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (in Dutch). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
93. ^ "Dva poškodovanca iz Kočanov prispela v Slovenijo. MNZ: Poostren nadzor prireditvenih prostorov" [Two injured people from Kočani arrived in Slovenia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Increased surveillance of event venues.]. Radiotelevizija Slovenija (in Slovenian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
94. ^ "Авион на грчкото воено воздухопловство вечерва од Скопје ќе пренесе во Атина тројца повредени" [A Hellenic Air Force plane will transport three injured people from Skopje to Athens tonight.]. Frontline (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
95. ^ "Петмина повредени во пожарот во Кочани се хоспитализирани во болници во Солун, двајца веќе се оперирани" [Five people injured in the fire in Kočani have been hospitalized in hospitals in Thessaloniki, two have already undergone surgery.]. Televizija 24 (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
96. ^ "Bundesheer unterstützt in Nordmazedonien" [Austrian Armed Forces provides support in North Macedonia]. Militär Aktuell (in German). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
97. ^ "Nach Brandkatastrophe in Mazedonien: 6 Opfer in Österreich in Behandlung" [After fire disaster in Macedonia: 6 victims in treatment in Austria]. OÖNachrichten (in German). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
98. ^ "Пленковиќ: Четворица повредени од Северна Македонија за два дена ќе бидат префрлени во Хрватска" [Plenković: Four injured from North Macedonia will be transferred to Croatia in two days]. Frontline (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
99. ^ Pohanka, Vít (17 March 2025). "Czechia sends military medical team to North Macedonia after deadly club fire". Radio Prague International. Czech Radio. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
100. ^ Grygiel, Andrzej (18 March 2025). "Poland to treat two patients from North Macedonia nightclub fire". TVP World. Polish Television. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
101. ^ "Incendie dévastateur en Macédoine du Nord: la Belgique intervient, "nous sommes aux côtés de nos amis dans le besoin"" [Devastating fire in North Macedonia: Belgium intervenes, "we stand alongside our friends in need"]. RTL Info (in French). BELGA. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
102. ^ "Victims of North Macedonia nightclub fire transferred to Belgium for treatment". Belga News Agency. 19 March 2025.
103. ^ "Уште три лица од пожарот во Кочани ќе се лекуваат во Турција" [Three more victims of the Kočani fire will be treated in Turkey]. Nezavisen Vesnik (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
104. ^ "Spain will receive seven injured in the Kocani fire for treatment". Sloboden Pečat. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
105. ^ "Седум лица повредени во пожарот во Кочани се транспортираат во Шпанија" [Seven people injured in the fire in Kočani are being transported to Spain]. Kanal 5 (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
106. ^ "Norway supports North Macedonia with air evacuation". Government.no. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
107. ^ a b "The funeral of those who died in the fire will be held tomorrow in Shtip, Kocani, Obleshevo and Skopje". Sloboden Pečat. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
108. ^ "Кочани денеска им оддава последна почит на загинатите во пожарот" [Kočani pays final respects to the victims of the fire today]. Frontline (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
109. ^ "'Tsunami of tears' as North Macedonia fire victims buried". RTÉ. Agence France-Presse. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
110. ^ "Погребани жртвите од пожарот во дискотеката "Пулс" во Кочани" [Victims of the "Pulse" nightclub fire in Kočani have been buried]. Libertas (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
111. ^ "АВМУ: Медиумите не треба да објавуваат фотографии и видеа со гробни места и од семејствата на жртвите од трагедијата во Кочани" [AVMU: Media should not publish photos and videos of graves or the families of the victims of the Kočani tragedy]. Frontline (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
112. ^ "Влада: Ги осудуваме неодговорните и неетички постапки на одредени странски медиуми" [Government: We condemn the irresponsible and unethical actions of certain foreign media outlets]. Kanal 5 (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
113. ^ "Српското Независно здружение на новинари побара српските Република, Курир, Блиц, Ало, Телеграф и Мондо да ги избришат фотографиите и снимките од погребот во Кочани" [The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia has asked the Serbian newspapers Republika, Kurir, Blic, Alo, Telegraf and Mondo to delete the photos and footage from funeral in Kocani.]. Libertas (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
114. ^ "Serbian authorities have condemned some local media outlets, calling on them to remove indecent footage from the funeral in Kocani". Sloboden Pečat. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
115. ^ Testorides, Konstantin; Bajrami, Florent (17 March 2025). "'My pain is incurable.' Nightclub fire leaves North Macedonia grappling with grief, accountability". Associated Press.
116. ^ "FC Shkupi Soccer Player Andrej Lazarov Among Victims of North Macedonia Nightclub Fire". Deccan Chronicle. 17 March 2025.
117. ^ Waterfield, Bruno (17 March 2025). "North Macedonia in mourning after 59 die in nightclub fire". The Times. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
118. ^ Jakov Marusic, Sinisa (17 March 2025). "Grief Turns to Rage in North Macedonia at Protest Over Deadly Fire". Balkan Insight.
119. ^ Jakov Marusić, Sinisa (17 March 2025). "North Macedonia: Windows smashed in pub belonging to owner of nightclub where fire killed 59 people". Sky News. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
120. ^ "Хаос во Кочани: Толпата фрла јајца кон општинската зграда и го извикува името на градоначалникот: "Убијци, излезете"" [Chaos in Kočani: Crowd throws eggs at the municipal building and shouts the mayor's name: "Murderers, come out"]. iNFOMAX (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
121. ^ "Протести во Кочани, граѓаните бараат одговорност" [Protests in Kočani, citizens demand responsibility]. OhridNews. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
122. ^ a b Beljan, Mateja (17 March 2025). "Besni građani šutirali i udarali automobil vlasnika diskoteke smrti, pa ga prevrnuli: Snimak haosa u Kočanima" [Angry citizens kicked and punched the car of the owner of the discotheque of death, then overturned it: Footage of the chaos in Kočani]. Telegraf.rs (in Serbian). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
123. ^ Kirkova, Mina (18 March 2025). "Катинар и решетки: Защо пожарът в Кочани взе толкова жертви" [Padlock and bars: Why the fire in Kochani claimed so many lives]. Deutsche Welle (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
124. ^ ""Хајде прво да сахранимо децу, па ћемо спалити град ако желите" Поп смиривао грађане у Кочанима, бес и туга у Северној Македонији достижу врхунац" ["Let's save the children first, then we'll burn down the city if you want" Priest calms citizens in Kočani, anger and sadness in North Macedonia reach peak]. Srbija Danas (in Serbian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
125. ^ "Fatal North Macedonia nightclub inferno sparks outrage, disbelief and calls for punishment". AP News. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
126. ^ a b Vladimirov, Ljubiša (17 March 2025). "Заеднички час во знак на почит за младите загинати" [Communal time in tribute to the young people who died]. Alfa (in Macedonian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
127. ^ "Шокантни сцени на платото на УКИМ: Додека неколку деца се онесвестија министерката продолжи со говор па беше исвиркана" [Shocking scenes on the UKIM plateau: While several children fainted, the minister continued her speech and was booed]. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
128. ^ Bužarovska, Rumena (17 March 2025). "Бужаровска за собирот пред УКИМ: Гласот на студентите не се слушна" [Bužarovska on the rally in front of UKIM: The students' voices were not heard]. Frontline (in Macedonian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
129. ^ "Кавадарци утре ќе им оддаде почит на загинатите во дискотеката во Кочани" [Tomorrow, Kavadarci will pay tribute to those killed in the discotheque in Kočani]. Kanal 5 (in Macedonian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
130. ^ "Средношколци и студенти со цвеќе, и свеќи, и солзи во очите, оддадоа почит за загинатите врсници во Кочани" [High school and college students with flowers, candles, and tears in their eyes paid tribute to their fallen peers in Kočani]. Bitola News (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
131. ^ "Илјадници луѓе се собраа на мирен протест во Струмица!" [Thousands of people gathered for a peaceful protest in Strumica!]. iNFOMAX. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
132. ^ "Утре (вторник) мирен собир на средношколци на плоштад во Охрид" [Tomorrow (Tuesday), a peaceful gathering of high school students will be in the Ohrid square]. Ohrigani (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
133. ^ "Кичевските гимназијалци утре со мирен собир ќе оддадат почит кон загинатите во страшната несреќа во Кочани" [Kičevo high school students will hold a peaceful rally tomorrow to pay tribute to those who died in the terrible accident in Kočani.]. Porta (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
134. ^ "Македонија во црно… Илјадници луѓе низ цела држава на мирни собири оддаваат почит за загинатите во Кочани!" [Macedonia in black… Thousands of people across the country peacefully gather to pay tribute to those killed in Kočani!]. iNFOMAX (in Macedonian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
135. ^ "Thousands of people at Macedonia Square, 16 minutes of silence and a "starry sky" in memory of the victims in Kocani". Sloboden Pečat. 19 March 2025.
136. ^ "Journalists detained at rallies in Skopje and Kocani for filming with drones". Sloboden Pečat. 19 March 2025.
137. ^ "Приведени новинарски екипи од Македонија и светот затоа што летале дрон на протести – Ваква држава не сум видел во свет, вели вработен во Ројтерс" [Journalist teams from Macedonia and the world detained for flying drones at protests – I have never seen a country like this in the world, says Reuters employee]. iNFOMAX (in Macedonian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
138. ^ "Macedonian citizens of Thessaloniki observe 60 minutes of silence to honor the victims in Kocani". KOHA. 22 March 2025.
139. ^ Fakova Serafinović, Frosina (25 March 2025). "Реката од револт надојде, власта тешко ќе ја спречи" [River of revolt has risen, the government will have difficulty stopping it]. Sloboden Pečat (in Macedonian). Retrieved 25 March 2025.
140. ^ "Лекар од Градска болница поздравен од неколку илјади граѓани кои застанаа, аплаудираа и се заблагодарија на сите лекари за лекувањето на настраданите од пожарот во Кочани" [Doctor from the city hospital was greeted by several thousand citizens who stood, applauded, and thanked all the doctors for the treatment of the victims of the fire in Kočani]. Sakam da kažam (in Macedonian). 24 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
141. ^ "Студентите на Сара Пројковска со песната „Кога те нема" ги расплакаа сите на комеморацијата на ФМУ". Sakam Da Kažam (in Macedonian). 26 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
142. ^ Hiseni, Shpetim (29 March 2025). "Собир пред Собранието во Скопје, се бара транспарентност и одговорност по трагичниот пожар во Кочани" [Rally in front of the Assembly in Skopje, demanding transparency and accountability after the tragic fire in Kocani]. Anadolu Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 2 April 2025.
143. ^ "Еден месец од пожарот во Кочани – во истрагата досега опфатени над 60 физички и три правни лица". Sloboden Pečat (in Macedonian). Media Information Agency. 17 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
144. ^ Angelova, Sofiya (19 April 2025). ""Убити от алчност": Близки на жертвите на пожара в Кочани излязоха на протест". Vesti (in Bulgarian). Bulgarian News Agency. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
145. ^ "Над 20 осомничени за пожарот во Кочани, 15 приведени, вклучени се поранешни функционери" [Over 20 suspects in Kočani fire, 15 detained, including former officials]. Lider (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
146. ^ "North Macedonia shutters illegal clubs after 59 killed in Kočani fire". euronews. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
147. ^ "North Macedonia: Media coverage of tragedy in Kočani must respect journalistic ethics". International Federation of Journalists. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
148. ^ "Grief turns to anger for family of singer killed in North Macedonia nightclub fire". ABC News. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
149. ^ "Iza brave ukupno 18 osoba u vezi sa požarom u Kočanima: Saslušano je više od 70 osoba" [A total of 18 people are detained in connection with the fire in Kočani: More than 70 people have been questioned]. Telegraf.rs (in Serbian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
150. ^ "Fifteen arrested over alleged bribery and corruption after North Macedonia nightclub fire kills 59". Euronews. 17 March 2025.
151. ^ "Мицкоски: Само 12 ноќни клубови легално работат во државата, се ќе затвориме" [Mickoski: Only 12 nightclubs operate legally in the country, we will close them all]. Sitel Televizija (in Macedonian). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
152. ^ "Имаат лиценци само 22 дискотеки и кабареа во земјава, дополнително се проверува дали ги исполнуваат условите за работа, вели владата по пожарот во Кочани со 59 жртви" [Only 22 discotheques and cabarets in the country have licenses, additional checks are being run to see if they meet conditions for operating, says the government after the fire in Kočani with 59 victims]. Sakam da kažam (in Macedonian). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
153. ^ Trenchevska Chekovikj, Elena (19 March 2025). "Контроли на угостителските објекти по пожарот во Кочани, надлежните затворија 15 нелиценцирани објекти" [Inspections of catering facilities after the fire in Kočani, authorities closed 15 unlicensed facilities]. Anadolu Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 19 March 2025.
154. ^ Testorides, Konstantin; Gatopoulos, Derek (19 March 2025). "Widespread license violations exposed as North Macedonia mourns nightclub fire victims". The Independent. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
155. ^ "По трагедијата во Кочани - клуч на врата за три дискотеки" [After the tragedy in Kočani - key to the door for three discotheques]. Deutsche Welle (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
156. ^ Kiridzievska, Sonja (19 March 2025). "The race for profit puts the lives of guests at celebrations and parties at risk from the use of pyrotechnics". Sloboden Pečat. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
157. ^ "Kocevski on the tragedy in Kocani: The root lies in deep systemic corruption". Sloboden Pečat. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
158. ^ "Ex-ministers charged as probe into deadly club fire broadens". France 24. 13 April 2025.
159. ^ Atanasov, Aleksandar (14 April 2025). "ОЈО бара мерки за претпазливост за последниот 19-ти осомничен на кого беше проширена истрагата за пожарот во Кочани". Media Information Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 16 April 2025.
160. ^ a b "Wife and Daughter of Kočani Nightclub Owner Arrested Following Deadly Fire". Euronews Albania. 25 March 2025.
161. ^ "Tragedy in Kocani, Toshkovski: Work license linked to corruption". KosovaPress.com. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
162. ^ Jakov Marusic, Sinisa (18 March 2025). "North Macedonia Detains Former Minister Over Deadly Nightclub Fire". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
163. ^ "Ова е сопственикот на дискотеката – шупа во која изгореа над 60 млади лица!" [This is the owner of the disco – a shed in which over 60 young people burned to death!]. Vesti (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
164. ^ Bytyci, Fatos; Vasovic, Aleksandar (17 March 2025). "Fire at packed North Macedonia nightclub kills 59". Reuters. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
165. ^ "Полициски претрес во домот и кафеаните на газдата на дискотo „Пулс" и во кочанскиот пазарен инспекторат". Sakam da kažam (in Macedonian). 26 March 2025. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
166. ^ "Започната истрага против седуммина полициски службеници во врска со пожарот во Кочани" [Investigation launched against seven police officers in connection with the fire in Kočani]. Anadolu Agency (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
167. ^ Delevska, S. K. (15 April 2025). "Уапсени уште 7 полицајци и инспектори од Штип и Кочани за катастрофата во дискотo „Пулс" со 61 жртва". Sakam da kažam (in Macedonian). Retrieved 16 April 2025.
168. ^ "Коцевски: Издадена е наредба да се приведат уште седуммина полицајци за пожарот во Кочани". Sloboden Pečat (in Macedonian). 15 April 2025. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
169. ^ "Приведени Ратко Дмитровски, Николчо Илијев И Љупчо Папазов!" [Ratko Dmitrovski, Nikolčo Iliev and Ljupčo Papazov detained!]. Libertas (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
170. ^ Omeragikj, Oktaj (21 March 2025). "МВР ги приведе поранешните градоначалници на Кочани, Илиев и Димитровски, и градоначалникот во оставка Папазов" [Ministry of Interior has detained the former mayors of Kočani, Iliev and Dimitrovski, and the mayor that resigned, Papazov]. Anadolu Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 20 March 2025.
171. ^ "Газдата на дискотеката "Пулс" најверојатно дал пари на вработен во Министерството за економија и извадил фалсификувана лиценца" [Owner of the "Pulse" nightclub likely gave money to an employee of the Ministry of Economy and obtained a forged license]. TV21 (in Macedonian). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
172. ^ "Папазов од притвор оди во куќен притвор – за седуммина осомничени за пожарот во Кочани мерката е заменета". Makfax (in Macedonian). 17 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
173. ^ "Поранешните градоначалници на Кочани, Димитриевски и Илијев одат во куќен притвор". Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Macedonian). Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 26 March 2025. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
174. ^ "Екс министерот за економија Крешник Бектеши спроведен во Кочани – Обвинителството бара притвор" [Former Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi taken to Kočani – Prosecution requests detention]. Kanal 5 (in Macedonian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
175. ^ "Гняв и траур в Кочани: Хората искат справедливост за 59-те жертви на пожара" [Anger and mourning in Kochani: People demand justice for the 59 victims of the fire]. news.bg (in Bulgarian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
176. ^ "Сопругата на Бектеши: Уапсен е за оттргнување на вниманието, тој не бил причина за пожарот, сакаат да ја префрлат вината" [Bekteshi's wife: He was arrested as a distraction, he did not cause of the fire, they want to shift the blame]. Libertas (in Macedonian). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
177. ^ "Тошковски: Предлог за притвор на седумте полицајци, кои утврдиле дека кабарето работи законски" [Detention proposed for the seven police officers who determined that the nightclub was operating legally]. Kanal 5 (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
178. ^ "Проширена е истрагата за пожарот во Кочани, уапсени се Шабан Салиу, Ваљон Сарачини и Беким Незири". Fokus. 12 April 2025. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
179. ^ "ДУИ: Од 35 приведени, само двајца се актуелни функционери – ова е селективна правда" [DUI: Out of 35 detainees, only two are current officials – this is selective justice]. Libertas (in Macedonian). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
180. ^ "ДУИ ја осудува трагедијата во Кочани, бара праведна и транспарентна истрага" [DUI condemns the tragedy in Kočani, demands a fair and transparent investigation]. TV21 (in Macedonian). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
181. ^ Fazljiji, Fatime (19 April 2025). "ДУИ: Истрагата за пожарот во Кочани станува пример за правна импровизација". Media Information Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 21 April 2025.
182. ^ Minovska, Cvetanka (17 April 2025). "ДУИ: Со сериозна загриженост ги следи случувањата поврзани со трагичниот настан во Кочани". Media Information Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 21 April 2025.
183. ^ "Кузеска 30 дена по трагедијата во Кочани: Зошто се штитат актуелните полициски функционери, министре Тошковски, нели имате малку совест?". Makfax (in Macedonian). 17 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
184. ^ Testorides, Konstantin (16 March 2025). "At least 51 dead, dozens more injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia". ABC News. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
185. ^ "Градоначалникот на Кочани, Љупчо Папазов поднесе неотповиклива оставка" [The mayor of Kočani, Ljupco Papazov, has submitted his irrevocable resignation]. Telma (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
186. ^ "Градоначалникот на Кочани поднесе оставка" [The mayor of Kočani has resigned]. Makfax (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
187. ^ Ilievska-Pačemska, Maja (17 March 2025). "Поради можни вдишувачки изгореници, на лекар да се јават и оние кои се чувствуваат добро, а биле во дискотеката, апелираа Таравари и Клековски" [Due to possible inhalation burns, even those who feel well and were at the disco should call a doctor, Taravari and Klekovski appealed.]. Makfax (in Macedonian). Retrieved 17 March 2025.
188. ^ Velkovska, Lidija (21 March 2025). "Нови приведувања за пожарот во Кочани, состојбата на повредените стабилна" [New arrests in connection to fire in Kočani, condition of injured stable]. Media Information Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 21 March 2025.
189. ^ Smith, Helena (16 March 2025). "North Macedonia mourns dead in nightclub fire as 15 people detained". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
190. ^ Kocovska, Silvana (17 March 2025). "Government declares seven days of national mourning for victims of Kochani tragedy". Media Information Agency. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
191. ^ "Public Prosecutor: Cause of the tragedy in Kočani - general erosion of the system and deep systemic corruption". B92. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
192. ^ "Седумдневна жалост за жртвите од трагичната несреќа во Кочани" [Seven days of mourning for the victims of the tragic accident in Kočani]. Nova Makedonija (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
193. ^ "Се одложуваат сите културни настани закажани неделава" [All cultural events scheduled for this week are postponed]. Umno (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
194. ^ "Се откажуваат сите планирани настани во установите од културата во текот на следната недела" [All planned events at cultural institutions over the next week are canceled]. Kurir (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
195. ^ "Љутков: Сите институции од областа на културата во Скопје ги отворија вратите и се ставени на располагање за поддршка на семејствата и на сите оние на кои тоа им е потребно" [Ljutkov: All cultural institutions in Skopje have opened their doors and are available to support families and all those in need.]. Kurir (in Macedonian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
196. ^ "МНТ жали за загубата на Андреј Ѓорѓиески, братот на актерот Александар Ѓорѓиески, и подава рака за семејствата на настраданите во Кочани" [MNT mourns the loss of Andrej Gjorgjieski, the brother of actor Aleksandar Gjorgjieski, and extends a hand to the families of the victims in Kočani.]. Politika (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
197. ^ "Повеќе од 24 часа по најголемата трагедија во Македонија – што знаеме досега?" [More than 24 hours after the biggest tragedy in Macedonia – what do we know so far?]. TV21 (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
198. ^ "Ќе биде потребен подолг период за закрепнување" [Longer recovery period will be necessary]. Nova Makedonija (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
199. ^ "АВМУ ќе донира 1.500.000 денари за настраданите во пожарот во Кочани" [AVMU will donate 1,500,000 denars to the victims of the fire in Kočani]. Kurir.mk (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
200. ^ "На студентските собири на УКИМ донирани 415.724 денари, УСС ги уплатил на сметката на Црвен крст" [415,724 denars donated at UKIM student gatherings, USS paid them into Red Cross fund]. Nezavisen Vesnik (in Macedonian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
201. ^ "Црвен крст: Oбезбедни 34.836.205 денари за настраданите во пожарот во Кочани" [Red Cross: 34,836,205 denars donated for the victims of the fire in Kočani]. Kanal 5 (in Macedonian). 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
202. ^ "UEFA grants special kit approval as North Macedonia honors tragedy victims with win over Liechtenstein". Nogomania. 22 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
203. ^ Krassimirov, Aleksander (23 March 2025). "Macedonia FA to donate Wales ticket money top Kocani fire victims". Inside World Football. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
204. ^ "Bellamy hopes Wales' tie with North Macedonia brings some comfort after tragedy". Chester and District Standard. 24 March 2025.
205. ^ "North Macedonia Bans Indoor Fireworks After Nightclub Inferno". Balkan Insight. 2 April 2025.
206. ^ Nikolik, Nevenka (16 March 2025). "Von der Leyen: EU stands in solidarity with people of North Macedonia in this difficult time". Media Information Agency. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
207. ^ "Albania's Leaders Expresses Condolences for the Tragedy with 51 Victims in Kocan". Albania Daily News. 16 March 2025.
208. ^ Mammadov, Ingilab (16 March 2025). "Azerbaijan expresses condolences to North Macedonia". Trend.
209. ^ "Lukashenko expresses condolences over nightclub fire victims in North Macedonia". Belarusian Telegraph Agency. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
210. ^ "BiH Presidency Expresses Condolences over Tragedy in North Macedonia". Sarajevo Times. 16 March 2025.
211. ^ "Bulgaria offers condolences, help after 51 die in N Macedonia disco fire". The Sofia Globe. 16 March 2025.
212. ^ Mihoci, Benjamin (16 March 2025). "Plenković izrazio sućut Sjevernoj Makedoniji: Duboko smo potreseni, ozlijeđenima želim što brži i uspješniji oporavak" [Plenković expressed condolences to North Macedonia: We are deeply shaken, I wish the injured a speedy and successful recovery]. Večernji list (in Croatian). Retrieved 16 March 2025.
213. ^ Lipavský, Jan [@JanLipavsky] (16 March 2025). "I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic fire in Kočani. I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and think of all those injured. Czechia stands by North Macedonia at this difficult time" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 March 2025 - via Twitter.
214. ^ @MFAgovge (16 March 2025). "Our hearts are with the victims of the devastating nightclub fire in #Kocani, North Macedonia. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. May they find strength and peace during this difficult time. 🇬🇪 stands in solidarity with 🇲🇰. @MFA_MKD" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 March 2025 - via Twitter.
215. ^ "Greece offers condolences and support to North Macedonia after deadly fire". eKathimerini. 16 March 2025.
216. ^ @PresidentIRL (20 March 2025). "President Higgins has written to the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, to express his condolences on the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the fire in Kocani on 15 March" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 April 2025 - via Twitter.
217. ^ "Minister sends condolences, offers assistance, following deadly North Macedonia fire". Israel National News. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
218. ^ @ItalyMFA_int (16 March 2025). "Min @Antonio_Tajani 🗣️: "I express my condolences to the families of the many young people involved in the tragic fire that occurred overnight in Kocani. We stand with a friendly European country at this very difficult time."" (Tweet). Retrieved 16 March 2025 - via Twitter.
219. ^ "Tragjedia në Maqedoni të Veriut, Kurti: Kosova e gatshme të ndihmojë në çdo mënyrë" [Tragedy in North Macedonia, Kurti: Kosovo ready to help in any way]. Koha (in Albanian). 16 March 2025.
220. ^ @Latvian_MFA (16 March 2025). "We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kočani, North Macedonia. We convey our deepest condolences to the close ones of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. | @MFA_MKD @TimcoMucunski" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 March 2025 - via Twitter.
221. ^ Budrys, Kęstutis [@BudrysKestutis] (16 March 2025). "Lithuania stands in solidarity with North Macedonia in light of the tragic events in Kočani. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families& friends. Lithuania is ready to provide medical assistance to the seriously injured in this tragedy and welcome them for treatment in our country. 🇱🇹🇲🇰 @TimcoMucunski @MFA_MKD" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 March 2025 - via Twitter.
222. ^ Savin, Daniela (16 March 2025). "Maia Sandu, message of condolences after the fire in North Macedonia: "Our thoughts are with you"". Radio Moldova. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
223. ^ "Kordić izjavila saučešće povodom požara u Makedoniji" [Kordić expressed condolences over the fire in Macedonia]. Borba.me (in Montenegrin). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
224. ^ Harald V (18 March 2025). "Condolences to the President of North Macedonia". Royal House of Norway. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
225. ^ "Poland's Tusk offers condolences as North Macedonia mourns nightclub fire victims". Polskie Radio. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
226. ^ Pecheanu, Gabriel (16 March 2025). "Bolojan: Suntem profund întristați de incendiul devastator din Macedonia de Nord" [Bolojan: We are deeply saddened by the devastating fire in North Macedonia]. Mediafax (in Romanian).
227. ^ Dimoski, Angel (16 March 2025). "Russian Embassy offers condolences to families of victims in nightclub fire". Macedonian Information Agency. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
228. ^ Rahmati, Fidel (16 March 2025). "50 dead, over 100 injured in North Macedonia Nightclub Fire". Khaama Press.
229. ^ @SlovakiaMFA (16 March 2025). "🇸🇰 Minister Juraj Blanár: I am horrified by the tragic events in Kocapi, North Macedonia. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all the victims and I wish a swift recovery to those who were injured" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 March 2025 - via Twitter.
230. ^ "STA: Slovenia saddened by devastating North Macedonia nightclub fire". Slovenian Press Agency. 16 March 2025.
231. ^ Stenergard, Maria [@MariaStenergard] (16 March 2025). "Appalling news of the fire and tragic loss of young lives in Kočani. My heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of the victims, and best wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. We stand with the people of North Macedonia in this time of grief" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 March 2025 - via Twitter.
232. ^ "Türkiye offers condolences to North Macedonia after deadly nightclub fire". Türkiye Today. 16 March 2025.
233. ^ Waterfield, Bruno (16 March 2025). "North Macedonia nightclub fire kills at least 51". The Times.
234. ^ "UAE expresses condolences to North Macedonia over horrific nightclub blaze". Khaleej Times. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
235. ^ "Pope Francis offers condolences for victims of nightclub fire in North Macedonia". Vatican News. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
236. ^ "Сочувство од вселенскиот патријарх Вартоломеј за трагедијата во Кочани" [Condolences from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the tragedy in Kočani]. Fokus (in Macedonian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
237. ^ "U Srbiji u utorak dan žalosti zbog tragedije u Severnoj Makedoniji" [Serbia to observe day of mourning on Tuesday due to tragedy in North Macedonia]. N1 (in Serbian). 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
238. ^ "Bulgaria to Declare Tuesday Day of Mourning in Solidarity with North Macedonia". Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
239. ^ Dimovski, Zoran (17 March 2025). "A day of mourning will also be declared in Bosnia and Herzegovina". Sloboden Pečat. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
240. ^ "День траура объявлен в Черногории из-за трагедии в Северной Македонии" [Day of mourning declared in Montenegro over tragedy in North Macedonia]. The Montenegro Times (in Russian). 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
241. ^ Šumkovski, Zlatko (18 March 2025). "Жителите на Нови Сад на Плоштад Слобода им оддаваат почит на загинатите во Кочани" [Residents of Novi Sad pay tribute at Freedom Square to those killed in Kočani]. Media Information Agency (in Macedonian). Retrieved 20 March 2025.

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Nightclub fires, disasters, and attacks

Fires (accidental)|

* 1929 Study Club fire
* 1940 Rhythm Club fire
* 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire
* 1947 Karlslust dance hall fire
* 1961 Top Storey Club fire
* 1970 Club Cinq-Sept fire
* 1972 Play Town Club fire
* 1973 Summerland disaster
* 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire
* 1981 Stardust fire
* 1983 Alcalá 20 nightclub fire
* 1993 Kheyvis fire
* 1996 Ozone Disco fire
* 2000 Luoyang Christmas fire
* 2001 Volendam New Year's fire
* 2001 Canecão Mineiro nightclub fire
* 2002 Utopía nightclub fire
* 2003 The Station nightclub fire
* 2004 Cromañón nightclub fire
* 2008 Wuwang Club fire
* 2009 Santika Club fire
* 2009 Lame Horse fire
* 2013 Kiss nightclub fire
* 2015 New Taipei water park fire
* 2015 Colectiv nightclub fire
* 2016 Ghost Ship warehouse fire
* 2022 Yaoundé nightclub fire
* 2022 Mountain B nightclub fire
* 2022 Binh Duong karaoke bar fire
* 2022 Kostroma café fire
* 2022 Poipet casino hotel fire
* 2023 Fonda Milagros nightclub fire
* 2024 Gayrettepe nightclub fire
* 2025 Kočani nightclub fire

Crowd crushes|

* 2000 Throb nightclub disaster
* 2003 E2 nightclub crush
* 2018 El Paraíso stampede
* 2018 Corinaldo stampede
* 2020 Los Olivos stampede

Attacks|

* 1972 Blue Bird Café fire
* 1973 Whiskey Au Go Go fire
* 1973 UpStairs Lounge arson attack
* 1974 Gulliver's nightclub fire
* 1975 Gargantua bar attack
* 1976 Puerto Rican Social Club fire
* 1997 Male Box shooting
* 1980 Denmark Place fire
* 1982 Droppin Well bombing
* 1984 Dallas nightclub shooting
* 1986 West Berlin discotheque bombing
* 1989 Rockhampton nightclub bombing
* 1990 Happy Land fire
* 1990 Rockhampton nightclub bombing
* 1996 Copenhagen rocket attack
* 1997 Otherside Lounge bombing
* 1998 Gothenburg discothèque fire
* 1998 Panda Bar massacre
* 2000 Backstreet Cafe shooting
* 2001 Dolphinarium discotheque massacre
* 2001 Myojo 56 building fire
* 2002 Bali bombings
* 2003 El Nogal Club bombing
* 2004 Columbus nightclub shooting
* 2005 Stage Club bombing
* 2006 Arua nightclub shooting
* 2007 London car bombs
* 2011 Tel Aviv nightclub attack
* 2015 Cairo restaurant fire
* 2015 Bataclan theatre massacre
* 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting
* 2016 Movida Bar grenade attack
* 2017 Istanbul nightclub shooting
* 2017 Lima shooting
* 2017 Little Rock nightclub shooting
* 2017 Konstanz shooting
* 2018 Thousand Oaks shooting
* 2019 Salamanca nightclub shooting
* 2019 Melbourne nightclub shooting
* 2019 Coatzacoalcos nightclub fire
* 2022 Oslo shootings
* 2022 Bratislava shooting
* 2022 Colorado Springs nightclub shooting

Other|

* 1925 Pickwick Club collapse
* 2022 Enyobeni Tavern disaster (cause of death unknown)
* 2025 Jet Set nightclub roof collapse

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