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A fatal fire in the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, has killed at least 59 individuals, with up to 155 people injured, according to CBS News. It occurred at around 2:30 to 3:00 a.m. on Sunday while a local band, DNK, was performing.
As covered by BBC News, the fire had been caused by the ignition of inflammable material on the ceiling and continued to burn through the whole complex. And as per a report in BBC, the spokesperson of the public prosecutor's office, Biljana Arsovska said,
"There are deficiencies in the system for fire-extinguishing and the system for lightning,"
Investigation and arrests
As stated by Sky News, authorities acted quickly, arresting approximately 20 people linked to the tragedy. They are the club manager, organizers of the event, and government officials involved in licensing irregularities. The investigators are also looking into whether the club had met the lowest safety requirements and whether negligence was involved in causing the disaster.
ABC News reported the club lacked crucial fire safety features like easily seen emergency exits and enough firefighting materials. The authorities are also investigating the process of approval given to the venue to operate with possible risks.
Government response and mourning period
As per Sky News, North Macedonia's Prime Minister announced a week-long national mourning period to pay tribute to the victims. He said,
"Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession,"
Its neighbors, Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece, have provided medical aid to assist in treating the victims. Hospitals continue to be burdened as they treat victims who have burns, smoke inhalation, and wounds from the desperation to evacuate the building.
Public indignation and safety reforms
The incident has triggered national outrage, with more demands for higher fire safety rules in nightclubs. The public is calling for a serious investigation of nightclub safety to avoid such an incident.
Fire officials and activists called for stricter checks, better emergency preparedness plans, and more enforcement of the fire code rules on nightclubbing.
Support for victims and families
BTA mentions that the victims and their families are being provided with aid and relief. Money, trauma counseling, and other relief are being given to the affected people by the government and local authorities to help them recover from the tragedy.
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