Protesters in Kocani, North Macedonia, have taken to the streets demanding justice and action against corruption after a nightclub fire killed 59 people, mostly teenagers. The tragedy occurred at The Pulse nightclub during a concert by popular hip-hop band DNK, when sparks from flares ignited a patch of ceiling ablaze.
Twenty people have been detained for questioning, including the nightclub owner and former government ministers, over allegations of corruption that may have contributed to inadequate safety measures at the venue. Many in Kocani believe that corruption allowed the club to operate without proper safety protocols.
The fire, which began on Sunday night, spread rapidly due to flammable materials and a lack of emergency equipment, including only two fire extinguishers and no sprinkler system. The nightclub’s licence was obtained illegally, and its single exit was locked at the time of the incident.
Relatives of missing children have been queuing outside a hospital to provide DNA samples for identification. Over 160 people were injured in the blaze, with many requiring specialist treatment in neighboring countries.
Protesters, including the uncle of one of the victims, expressed outrage and grief, calling for justice and condemning the lack of safety measures at the venue. A group of teenagers targeted a bar believed to belong to the nightclub owner, smashing windows and ransacking it.
The Interior Minister has announced “grounds for suspicion” that bribery and corruption are linked to the fire. A civic group in North Macedonia has called for protests across the country, with city centres planned for gathering on Tuesday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyve1v4z52mo