Thousands of Macedonians gathered on Thursday, for funerals in North Macedonia to honor the victims of last weekend’s tragic nightclub fire.
The fire broke out during a concert by the hip-hop duo DNK at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani.
This happened around 3 a.m. (02:00 GMT) on Sunday, when sparks from flares ignited the ceiling.
At least 59 people lost their lives and 155 were injured, sparking an outpouring of grief across the Balkan nation.
Funerals took place in multiple cities and towns, with the main service held in Kocani.
Kocani is a town of approximately 25,000 people located 100 km (62 miles) east of Skopje, where 30 victims were laid to rest.
Thousands of mourners solemnly made their way to freshly dug graves marked by paper signs, many carrying white flowers or photos of their loved ones.
Others wore T-shirts and badges with the names and images of the deceased.
Several individuals, overcome with emotion, required medical assistance, while one man, visibly distressed, rested his head on a coffin.
Ana Kostadinovska, a backing vocalist for the band DNA who survived the fire, shared her grief online, saying,
“A part of my second family has left. Along with them, my soul.
“All that remains is ashes and emptiness … and who would have thought that emptiness could hurt so much.”
The fire and the horrifying accounts of what transpired at the nightclub have sparked widespread grief and protests, largely led by young people.
A religious service was held at Kocani’s cemetery on Thursday, led by clergy from the Orthodox Church.
Red Cross and emergency personnel were on hand to support grieving families.
Before the funerals, the country’s spiritual leader, Orthodox Archbishop Stefan, called for national unity in prayer for the victims and their families.
He emphasized the importance of peace and solidarity in such a painful time.
Stefan presided over the funeral services in Kocani, while separate ceremonies took place in Skopje and five other nearby towns.
Al-Jazera reports that many businesses closed as a mark of respect.
Public tributes were also paid to Ile Gocevski, a Kocani ambulance driver who passed away from apparent heart failure.
This was after the driver completed 11 hospital runs on the night of the fire.
The investigation into the tragedy continues to unfold.
Over 20 individuals have been arrested, including seven police officers.
This comes as authorities investigate the absence of fire safety measures at the Pulse nightclub and allegations of illegally obtained permits.
Health Minister Arben Taravari announced that 72 people are still hospitalized nationwide, while 101 patients are receiving treatment abroad.
The condition of those suffering from burns, smoke inhalation, and trampling injuries has stabilized, alleviating concerns that the death toll might continue to rise.
On Thursday, the Ministry released the names of the 59 victims, which include 41 individuals in their 20s or younger, as well as three 17-year-olds.