Pulse nightclub fire trial: Experts cite illegal repurposing

Pulse nightclub fire Kočani tragedy construction inspection failure North Macedonia court case Goran Markovski

The trial regarding the tragic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, which killed 63 people and injured over 200, has continued in the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje. The proceedings are currently in the evidence phase, focusing on the cross-examination of a team of construction experts.

Expert and professor Goran Markovski testified that the nightclub's safety was directly compromised by illegal repurposing, spatial reorganization, and improper modifications to electrical, water, and sewage systems. Markovski noted that the building was officially approved for light industry use rather than as a hospitality venue. He further stated that while construction inspectors had the legal authority and obligation to close the facility due to a lack of proper documentation and project approval, no such action was taken until after the fire occurred on March 16, 2025.

The defendants include the building's owner, Groždan Milkovski, and former municipal construction inspectors Ogjen Georgiev and Nikolčo Kocev. The case is being presided over by Judge Dijana Gruevska-Ilievska and involves a team of 15 public prosecutors.

Entities

Dijana Gruevska-Ilievska · Goran Markovski · Grozdan Milkovski · Kočani · Pulse nightclub · Skopje Basic Criminal Court · University Ss. Cyril and Methodius

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The fire at the Pulse nightclub occurred on March 16, 2025, during a DNA band performance. skopskoeho.mk · nezavisen.mk · vecer.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] The nightclub fire resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries. skopskoeho.mk · nezavisen.mk · vecer.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities failed to react to illegal construction interventions until after the fire occurred. vecer.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Repurposing and improper installations directly compromised the safety of the Pulse nightclub. vecer.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The building was officially approved for light industry use, not as a nightclub. vecer.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Construction inspectors had the legal obligation to close the facility and restore it to its original state due to lack of documentation. vecer.mk