The community is mourning after musicians who attended the Pulse Club in North Macedonia on Sunday were killed in a horrific fire. Survivors share their horrific experiences
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A woman who survived a club fire has told how her sister was “trampled” in the panic, while another survivor said she “barely survived”.
Music fans attending a concert at the Pulse club in Kočani were forced to rush to the exit when a fire broke out on Sunday. The concertgoers were enjoying a performance by pop duo DNK when sparks from the pyrotechnic show on stage caused the roof to catch fire.
Sadly, the tragedy claimed the lives of 59 people and left 155 injured, 22 of whom are in serious condition. Survivors described being “trampled” as chaos ensued. Maria Taseva, 19, who suffered a facial injury, said she “could barely breathe” from the ordeal.
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She said: “We even tried to get out through the bathroom, but we saw bars on the windows. Somehow I managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and was run over, trampled… I barely survived and could barely breathe.”
Another survivor told Sky News: “The fire just came out of nowhere and everyone was running for the exit. There were burnt bodies inside. I don't know… everyone was panicking.” She recalled her sister falling as she tried to get out. “She was injured. When she ran outside she fell and people stepped on her,” she added.
The chief doctor at Kocani General Hospital, where most of the victims were initially taken, said most of the victims were between 14 and 24 years old. Many suffered burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but video footage shows glittering pyrotechnics on stage hitting the ceiling of the Pulse club. Horrific footage shows sparks narrowly missing performers in the face as audience members dance around the dangerous spectacle.
North Macedonia's government has confirmed that a three-day inspection of all nightclubs in the country will begin on Monday. Authorities also said they would investigate corruption allegations involving a nightclub that was overcrowded and stayed open twice as long as it should have. Interior Minister Panče Toškovski said 15 people had been detained for questioning after a preliminary investigation found the club was operating without a proper licence. “We have reason to believe that bribery and corruption are involved in this case,” he said.
North Macedonian President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska noted: “I still cannot believe that the terrible tragedy in Kočani has become a reality. I do not know how to express my condolences to the families and friends of the victims. None of the perpetrators should escape the law, justice and punishment. Let us not allow anyone to endanger the lives of innocent people any longer.”
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
