Pulse nightclub fire trial focuses on building repurposing legality

The trial regarding the tragic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani continued in Idrizovo, focusing on expert testimony regarding the building's structural history and legal repurposing. Construction expert Goran Markovski testified that the facility was a safe light industry production plant in 2012, meeting load-bearing and fire protection standards at that time.

However, Markovski clarified that the legal responsibility for requesting a change of use from a production plant to a nightclub rests with the property owner under the Law on Construction. He noted that private agreements between owners and tenants cannot replace these legal obligations. The expert also emphasized that construction inspectors have the authority and duty to react to unauthorized repurposing or additions even after a building is operational.

The fire, which occurred on March 16, 2025, resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries. Currently, 34 individuals face charges in connection with the incident.