Macedonia mourns the loss of Andrej Gorgievski, the lead singer of popular band DNK, who died a hero in the devastating fire at Kočani’s “Puls” nightclub, where 59 lives were lost, officials and friends said on Wednesday.
Gorgievski, 43, initially escaped the blaze but returned to rescue others, ultimately sacrificing his own life, witnesses reported. His act of bravery has become a poignant symbol of the tragedy that has gripped the nation.
“He was our friend in elementary school, we learned together,” said Jasmina Biljanovska, a childhood friend. “We’ll remember him for his great cheerfulness, his smiles, his restless spark.”
The singer, known for his warmth and humanitarian spirit, was remembered for his dedication to charity. DNK frequently performed at humanitarian concerts, and once donated 20,000 euros from an award to help a young boy’s medical treatment.
“A part of my second family is gone,” wrote Ana Kostadinovska, a backing vocalist for DNK and a fire survivor, on social media.
Gorgievski’s funeral in Skopje drew crowds of family, friends, and fellow musicians, reflecting the profound grief across the country. The fire also claimed the lives of other musicians and artists, including Ana Projkovska, Gjorgi Gjorgiev, Filip Stevanovski, Aleksandar Kolarov, Aleksandar Efremov, Martin Atanasovski, and Igor Velkov.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and support, with the government and NGOs providing psychological assistance to families and survivors. The fire has also sparked investigations into licensing irregularities and building safety standards.
The collective trauma has affected the entire nation, with schools and communities offering support to those struggling to cope with the loss. Gorgievski’s sacrifice has become a symbol of resilience and humanity in the face of immense tragedy.
