An outpouring of grief and solidarity followed a devastating fire at the “Puls” nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, which claimed at least 51 lives and left over 150 injured. The blaze, which broke out during a concert, triggered a deadly stampede in the packed venue.
Expressions of condolences flooded in from across the region and beyond. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, shared his deep sadness, extending sympathies to victims’ families. EU officials, including Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, while European leaders like Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Albanian PM Edi Rama and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev offered support.
Neighboring countries mobilized aid, with Bulgaria and Serbia preparing medical teams and air transport for the injured. In a show of solidarity, all sporting events in North Macedonia were suspended.
Local authorities pledged assistance to the victims’ families, and international diplomats, including U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler, offered resources for recovery efforts. The Macedonian government declared a day of mourning as investigations into the cause of the fire continued.