In brief
A nightclub fire in North Macedonia claimed 59 lives, prompting authorities to detain officials for allegedly issuing illegal permits.
In a tragic turn of events, a fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in at least 59 deaths and over 150 injuries. Families of the victims are left heartbroken, anxiously waiting for updates from hospitals. Investigations are now underway as officials revealed that the nightclub had been operating without a proper permit, registered as an industrial site rather than a hospitality venue.The inferno erupted during a concert, sparked by fireworks, and quickly engulfed the building, raising serious questions about safety protocols. Ljupco Kocevski, the public prosecutor, announced that the club's hospitality permit, granted in March of the previous year, was allegedly obtained through bribery. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his outrage during a national address, emphasizing the sorrow felt by the entire nation. The police are currently questioning former officials linked to the ministry of economy, highlighting a serious mismanagement of safety standards in entertainment venues.
