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Pulse nightclub fire trial: Experts reveal illegal construction
During the ongoing trial regarding the Pulse nightclub fire in Kočani, which resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries, expert witnesses presented findings detailing extensive illegal construction within the facility.
Expert Marijana Lazarevska testified that all structural interventions were performed without proper project documentation, professional supervision, or municipal approval. The building was illegally repurposed from an industrial warehouse into a catering facility, a change that increased structural load and violated urban planning regulations. The expert noted that the attic was constructed using highly flammable materials, including polyurethane sponge, which burned completely during the fire.
Additionally, expert Dushica Trpchevska Angelkovikj confirmed that the repurposing of the site was contrary to the city's urban plan. Witnesses also highlighted that gypsum-board partitions and specific door installations created direct obstacles to safe evacuation. The court postponed the hearing to allow for a more organized numerical presentation of photographic evidence following objections from the defense.
Entities
Dushica Trpchevska Angelkovikj · Dusica Trpcevska Angelkovik · Idrizovo · Kočani · Marijana Lazarevska · Pulse nightclub · Venci DOOEL
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] All construction interventions in the Pulse nightclub were carried out illegally, without project documentation, professional supervision, or approval from competent institutions. novamakedonija.com.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The court postponed the hearing to allow for a numerical presentation of photographic evidence following a defense objection. lider.mk · libertas.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gypsum-board partitions and doors were installed that represented a direct obstacle to evacuation. lider.mk · libertas.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The attic was constructed using glass wool, gypsum boards, and polyurethane sponge, a material that burned completely in the fire. novamakedonija.com.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The repurposing of the building from a warehouse to a catering facility significantly increased the load on the structure and directly affected safety. novamakedonija.com.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] According to the urban planning documentation of Kočani, the repurposing of the site from an industrial object to a catering facility is not permitted. lider.mk · libertas.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The only document resembling a project was prepared by the company Venci DOOEL from Kočani, but it lacked legal phases and was not submitted to the Municipality. novamakedonija.com.mk