North Macedonia mourns after deadly Nightclub fire kills 59

North Macedonia is reeling from its deadliest tragedy in recent memory after a devastating fire tore through an overcrowded nightclub in the eastern town of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring 155. The inferno, which broke out early Sunday, left many burned, suffocated, or trampled in a desperate escape through the building’s only exit.

With victims as young as 16, the nation has declared seven days of mourning as grieving families demand accountability. “We are all in shock, and I am shocked myself: as a mother, as a person, as a president,” said President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska in a national address.

Authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of corruption linked to the club, which was packed with twice its legal capacity. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed that 15 people had been detained for questioning, revealing that the club was operating without a proper license. “We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case,” he stated.

Shocking footage from inside the club showed pyrotechnics igniting the ceiling just before flames rapidly spread. Survivors recounted horrific scenes. “I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe,” said 19-year-old Marija Taseva, who was trampled while trying to escape.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, visibly shaken, addressed the nation, calling it “by far the most difficult day of my life.” Flags were lowered to half-staff, and candlelight vigils were held as the country grieved.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered an urgent three-day inspection of all nightclubs nationwide to prevent another catastrophe. As the death toll remains uncertain, many are left wondering how such a tragedy was allowed to happen in the first place.