Survivors of the deadly nightclub fire in North Macedonia recall horrific scenes as partygoers tried to flee the venue. The inferno killed 59 people, a number that may rise, and injured at least 155. A footballer for FC Shkupi was among those killed as he tried to rescue people inside.
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The fire started at Club Pulse in Kocani early Sunday morning at around 3:00 am. Per a report by People, a local band called ADN was performing at the time. Pyrotechnics on stage may have triggered the blaze, with the Associated Press explaining that they 'hit the ceiling.'
The outlet interviewed a partygoer, Marija Taseva, who recalls that people tried to escape through bathroom windows only to find them barred up. "We tried to get out through the bathroom, only to find bars," Taseva told the outlet. "I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs, and they ran over me, trampled over me. " She added, "I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe."
Per a translated interview by Sky News, a grieving father who lost his son describes horrific scenes at the venue.
"It's my only child, and he died. What am I supposed to do? Local officials should be hurt in the same way I'm hurt. I've been there all night; they can't even get the bodies out. Children burnt beyond recognition. There are corpses, just corpses inside. They can't pull them out, not even with helicopters."
Dragi Stojanov also lost his 21-year-old son, per the Daily Mail. He told reporters, "It's my only child, and he died. What is left for me in life? I don't need my life anymore."
The Nightclub Was Reportedly Operating Over Capacity
The Daily Mail explains that the nightclub's ceiling was made of 'easily flammable' material. The fire spread quickly, covering the entire venue in thick smoke. As panic spread, several people were reportedly crushed by the stampede trying to escape.
Per the Associated Press, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said the venue had an official capacity of 250. At least double were at the nightclub at the time. Authorities have detained at least 15 people after an inspection revealed the club was operating without the proper license.
