Video Shows Pyrotechnics Hitting Nightclub Ceiling at Start of Fire That Killed 59 and Injured Over 150
03/17/2025 04:55 PM
Although an investigation into the blaze continues, local officials have said the fire was likely ignited by sparks from the pyrotechnics
Chilling video shows the moment a deadly fire broke out inside a North Macedonia nightclub over the weekend.
The video, originally shared by the Associated Press and later obtained by PEOPLE, shows a band performing on stage at the Club Pulse in Kočani around 2:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 16, when pyrotechnics hit the ceiling, which eventually burst into flames that went on to engulf the building.
The North Macedonian government said that 59 people were killed and over 150 others were injured as a result of the fire and resulting stampede, which was likely ignited by sparks from the pyrotechnics. A police officer and three minors were among those killed, officials previously confirmed to PEOPLE.
The building had just one emergency exit, which was locked during Sunday's concert, Reuters reported. Additionally, North Macedonia's state prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski said there were only two fire extinguishers and no alarm or sprinkler system, according to the outlet.
"It did not have two exit doors, but only one single improvised metal door at the back of the building, which was locked and without a handle on the inside," he said.
According to the Associated Press, authorities are investigating bribery allegations to skip licensing requirements and skirt safety regulations at the club, which was reportedly at double its capacity that night.
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Reuters reported that government officials and the nightclub's manager are among at least 20 people who have since been arrested in connection with the fire.
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Among those families now grieving and seeking answers includes Tomco Stojanov, whose 25-year-old son Andrej died helping save others from the fire, according to the AP.
"He died while returning and entering to save other people," Stojanov said. "He was pushed, run over, that's how my son died."
Another concertgoer, Marija Taseva, managed to escape the disaster after she fell to the ground and was trampled. she told the news agency. Tragically, her sister did not survive.
"I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and they ran over me, trampled me," she said. "I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe."
