Sporadic violence erupted in North Macedonia on Monday as crowds demanded justice for 59 people who perished in a nightclub fire and called for an end to the corruption believed to be at the root of the country's worst calamity in years.
The tragedy occurred during a hip hop concert in Kocani when sparks from flares ignited the ceiling at around 3 a.m. on Sunday. With the venue lacking proper fire safety measures, chaos ensued as patrons sought the venue's only exit to escape the spreading flames.
The incident has deeply affected the town of 25,000 inhabitants, located 50 miles (80 km) east of Skopje. On Monday, fresh graves were dug in the town's cemetery while families with missing loved ones lined up at the hospital to provide DNA samples for identification purposes.
The nightclub's illegal operating license, absence of fire safety equipment, and deficient emergency exits have been highlighted by officials, with over 150 individuals sustaining injuries.
In protest, a multitude gathered in Kocani's central square to mourn the victims, many bearing signs condemning corruption. Some demonstrators resorted to vandalism, damaging a pub allegedly linked to the nightclub owner, and later targeting the mayor's residence, prompting unrest.
Describing the inadequate safety features of the venue, state prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski cited the lack of proper exits and flammable construction materials that contributed to the disaster.
The repercussions of the tragedy are profound, as grieving individuals, like Sasa Djenic and Draghi Stojanov, lament the loss of loved ones and question accountability. Consequently, authorities have arrested numerous individuals, including government officials and the nightclub's manager, in connection with the incident.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski pledged to hold those responsible accountable, stating the nightclub's license was fraudulently obtained. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to determine the criminal liability of various parties for endangering public safety.
Medical aid from neighboring countries has been mobilized to aid the injured, highlighting the regional response to the tragic events in North Macedonia.