SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) 鈥 The deadly nightclub fire in North Macedonia over the weekend has struck the young of this country the most, with the emotional devastation it brought apparent everywhere, from classrooms to the streets.
Most of the victims 鈥 the 59 killed and dozens injured in a frantic escape 鈥 were in their late teens or early 20s, enjoying a night out with friends at in the eastern town of Kocani. There was live music, drinks and dancing until .
Now the nation鈥檚 youth, already doubtful about its future amid the young republic's economic troubles, has been at the forefront of an outpouring of grief and anger. The disaster also exposed deep-seated frustrations among them.
In a language school in Skopje, the nation鈥檚 capital, 14-year-old Mila said she is shocked and disappointed.
鈥淚 am very angry about everything that happened," she told The Associated Press, her voice shaking. "It's a sad thing to go to a disco to have fun and then turn to ashes.鈥
鈥淚 am disappointed in our country," she added. "I love Macedonia but I would like to go abroad when I am older.鈥
North Macedonia's unemployment rate is 12.8%, the second-highest in Europe, according to the International Monetary Fund. Almost one-fifth of those aged 15-24 are neither working nor in school or getting training, according to most-recent data from the International Labor Organization.
The country's by nearly 10% over the past two decades, dropping below 2 million, according to census data. Most of those who leave are young people seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
For those left behind, Sunday鈥檚 fire is the first major tragedy for their generation, born after North Macedonia鈥檚 independence from war-torn former Yugoslavia. Candlelight vigils and demonstrations in the wake of the tragedy have been led by the young.
For 13-year-old Ada, the tragedy feels disturbingly close 鈥 the daughter of her mother's best friend was burned in the fire.
鈥淚 am very angry," she said, eyes downcast. Both Mila and Ada gave only their first names. The Associated Press could not contact their parents for permission to use their full names.
At one vigil this week in Kocani, a town of about 25,000 people, students dressed in black knelt silently, placing thin yellow candles in trays of sand, their flames flickering in the night.
Nearby, angry youths began chanting 鈥淛ustice! Justice!鈥 overturned a van as police stood by without stepping in, then used chairs and umbrella stands to trash a cafeteria run by one of the nightclub's owners.
As the nation mourns, soccer games have been postponed, schools are holding vigils, television presenters are dressed in black on air. Flowers and candles are left in central locations of every town and city.
Skopje social worker and therapist Tanja Marcekic said the fire has profoundly impacted young people.
鈥淭here is a sense of revolt and great dissatisfaction. We all feel it,鈥 she said.
But, she added, there could be a small silver lining. 鈥淚 also see another side of young people 鈥 how they organize themselves, how they want to help and be active. Maybe that is the best way to improve their mental health.鈥
In Kocani, home to about 25,000 people, every family was touched by the disaster.
鈥淚 am a parent of two. I can鈥檛 even talk 鈥 sorry," said Branko Bogatinov. His grown children, who now live in Germany, used to visit the nightclub when they were still in school.
鈥淭his could have happened to anyone,鈥 he said.
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Associated Press writer Derek Gatopoulos in Athens contributed to this report.
