**Tragedy Strikes: North Macedonia Grieves Following Nightclub Inferno**

**Marija Taseva recounted the horrifying moments of the nightclub disaster as authorities apprehend those connected to the tragedy. Emotions run high as families mourn their loved ones in a nation gripped by sorrow.**

In a shocking turn of events, a Saturday night at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, turned into a grotesque nightmare, leaving the town in mourning. As fire engulfed the venue during a performance by the local hip-hop group DNK, the chaos unfolded rapidly, resulting in 59 fatalities and 155 injuries.

Marija Taseva, 19, was among those who experienced the horror firsthand. “Everyone started screaming, ‘get out, get out!’” she said in an interview with Reuters. The club was packed with around 500 patrons, and panic ensued when it was revealed that the primary exit could not accommodate everyone attempting to flee the flames licking up toward the ceiling, which was made of highly combustible materials. “I ended up on the ground, unable to get up while people were stomping on me,” she recounted sorrowfully, managing to escape while her sister did not.

In the aftermath, authorities have detained 15 individuals, including the nightclub's owner and past government officials, amid allegations of bribery and corruption. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski emphasized the need for accountability by stating, “There will be no mercy,” regardless of political affiliation.

Witnesses revealed that the fire erupted around 2:30 AM, attributed to sparks from pyrotechnic machines igniting the poorly constructed club. Originally a carpet warehouse, the venue operated illegally, raising crucial questions about regulatory oversights. Many of the deceased suffered injuries from the ensuing stampede, with reports stating that 70 individuals sustained burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.

As families gathered outside hospitals, their desperation palpable, the gravity of the situation became clearer. “Many young lives lost,” lamented Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov, highlighting that young adults in their teens to early twenties constituted the majority of victims. Some relatives are still searching for news about their missing loved ones, fueling a mix of grief and anger.

Dragi Stojanov, who lost his only child, voiced the pain of loss: “I am a dead man; I lost everything,” he stated. North Macedonia's President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova echoed the call for justice, insisting that no one responsible should escape legal repercussions.

As the nation enters seven days of mourning, citizens and officials alike demand answers and justice for the lives lost in this tragic incident. Efforts are underway to treat the critically wounded in specialized facilities across neighboring countries, showcasing the broader regional impact of the calamity. As investigations continue, North Macedonia grapples with the profound grief left by the Pulse nightclub disaster.