35 people go on trial over North Macedonia nightclub fire that killed 63

35 people went on trial on Wednesday, November 19, over a North Macedonia nightclub fire that killed 63 and left hundreds more injured in March.

The fire broke out at Club Pulse, a venue in the eastern town of Kočani, at around 2:30AM local time on March 16. Reports at the time estimated that around 500 people were inside – double that of the club’s 250 capacity.

59 people were killed in the fire at the time – which is said to be the deadliest blaze in North Macedonia’s history – while another 200 were injured, four passing away from their injuries after the incident.

Earlier this week, 35 people – including three former mayors of Kočani and the nightclub's owner – appeared in court, where they were told by a judge the trial could run anywhere from five months to five years.

Those prosecuted were accused of endangering lives by operating an “unsafe venue”, arguing that the incident occurred as a result of “institutional failures and a lack of responsibility,” per the BBC. 

Prosecutors also argued that the club’s failings had turned it into a “death trap”. They allege that it did not undergo inspections, and often overcrowded the venue beyond its capacity.

On the night of the blaze, hundreds of young people - most aged between 16 and 26 - were watching a performance from hip hop act DNK when sparks from the pyrotechnics caused the club’s roof to set fire.

Thousands of protestors rallied in Skopje, the North Macedonian capital, ahead of the trial on Saturday (November 15), seeking justice for victims who lost their lives in the incident.

Families of the victims were among those who rallied, Al Jazeera reports, many dressed in black. They carried banners with photos of those who were killed in the tragic incident, chanting: “Justice for Kocani”.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter