
Club Fire Claims 59 Lives, Heroic Footballer Among Victims
A tragic incident occurred on March 16, 2025, when a fire broke out at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 people and injuries to over 155 others.
The blaze reportedly started during a hip-hop concert when pyrotechnics ignited the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material.
Among the victims was 25-year-old professional soccer player Andrej Lazarov of FC Shkupi. Lazarov tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue others from the fire, succumbing to smoke inhalation during his heroic efforts.
The incident has prompted arrest warrants for four individuals connected to the nightclub, with one man already detained. The North Macedonian government has declared a seven-day mourning period and is conducting thorough inspections of similar venues to ensure safety compliance.