Mourners gathered at the cemetery in Kochani, North Macedonia, on Thursday to pay their final respects to 59 young people who perished in a devastating fire at the makeshift “Pulse” nightclub. The tragedy plunged the town and the entire country into mourning, with many attendees wearing black T-shirts bearing the words “Rest in Peace, Our Angels.” Few could hold back tears for the lives lost.
The funeral was held under special protocols, following requests from families and local authorities for a quiet and dignified farewell. Police and security personnel maintained order, while media crews from across the country and the region observed the ceremony from a distance, in line with ethical reporting guidelines to respect the victims’ families.
Memorial services were also held in Stip, Oblesevo, and Skopje, where mourners lit candles and signed books of condolence in town squares. In neighboring Bulgaria and Serbia, citizens observed a minute of silence to honor the victims.
The fire at the “Pulse” nightclub claimed 59 lives, with victims aged between 16 and 48, including six minors, according to the Prosecutor’s Office. The Health Ministry released a list of those who died in the blaze.
More than 190 people sustained injuries in the tragedy. Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that 173 patients, receiving treatment both domestically and abroad, were in stable condition. “Most are improving, and of the 20 initially in critical condition, 10 remain severely injured but are now stable and out of life-threatening danger,” Taravari said.
Currently, 72 patients are being treated in North Macedonia, while 101 have been transferred abroad for medical care. Among those receiving treatment domestically, three have been discharged, and another three are expected to be sent home by Friday, pending toxicology tests. “Experienced toxicologists will conduct examinations to ensure it’s safe for them to continue recovery at home,” Taravari added.
In a poignant tribute, Taravari announced that Ile Gocevski, an emergency medical driver who transported numerous patients during the crisis and later died from the ordeal, would be posthumously honored. “That day, we all worked over 20 hours. His efforts in transporting patients were immense. As Health Minister, I intend to invite his family next week to bestow a posthumous award in his honor,” Taravari said.
