North Macedonia Mourns 59 Lives Lost in Nightclub Fire

A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, on Saturday resulted in at least 59 deaths and over 155 injuries. The tragedy occurred during a performance by a local hip-hop duo when sparks from pyrotechnics ignited a highly flammable ceiling. Witnesses described chaos as patrons attempted to escape through a single exit, leading to a stampede that caused most of the fatalities. The venue, which lacked a legal operating license and had previously been a carpet warehouse, is under investigation for potential corruption, with ten suspects arrested, including officials involved in its licensing. Survivors and grieving relatives expressed profound sorrow, with one father stating, 'I had one child, and I lost him.' Condolences have been extended from leaders across Europe and Pope Francis amidst the national mourning.