North Macedonia is facing political strife after a deadly nightclub fire in the city of Kočani, which is still burying the victims of a deadly fire that killed 59 victims and wounded over 150. Now, there are protests in several cities, including the capital of Skopje.
Authorities say the fire was caused by the indoor use of pyrotechnic devices and numerous safety violations at the nightclub. The tragedy has sparked particular outrage, not only because of the young age of the victims but also because of suspicions of corruption related to the violation of safety rules.
The identification of the victims is still ongoing, but the city is already preparing for the funerals, with city workers digging graves. Locals have been devastated by the tragedy.
“This is very bad, very bad. I have been crying for three days,” a local resident, who is mourning the loss of his friends’ children, told Associated Press.
In a video produced by Remix News, one father who lost his son slammed authorities and lamented: “What is left for me in life? I don’t need my life anymore. This was my only child.”
As a sign of solidarity with the victims and their families, there were demonstrations across the country, with thousands of people holding candles and mobile phone lights aloft.
Government officials called for calm after some protests turned violent a day earlier. Protesters in Kocsani overturned a van, threw stones at a municipal building, and smashed a cafe believed to be owned by the same owner as the nightclub.
The investigation so far revealed that the club was filled to capacity with at least twice the number of people it could accommodate, which is 250. Officials say the operators committed numerous safety violations, including a lack of emergency exits, inadequate fire protection equipment, flammable flooring, and a lack of a fire suppression system.
The government ordered a nationwide inspection of all nightclubs and other entertainment venues. Foreign Minister Timcso Mucunszki called the fire the most tragic moment in his nation’s history.
Many victims were simply trampled as panicked youths rushed toward the only exit.
Neighboring Serbia and Bulgaria, which provided immediate assistance after the tragedy, observed a national day of mourning on Tuesday in solidarity with North Macedonia. Hungary has also accepted wounded into the country’s hospital system for treatment.
Health ministry officials said medical professionals from the Czech Republic, Serbia and Israel had arrived to support the treatment of the injured. The European Union is helping to transport burn victims to nearby countries as well.
