The construction expert report unequivocally showed that in the Pulsenightclub the system, that is, institutions and individuals did not fully function. Neither the standards, nor the regulations, nor the procedures were respected, said the court expert and professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at UKIM, GoranMarkovski, at Monday’s trial for the fire in the Kochani nightclub fire that claimed 63 lives and over 200 were injured.
Markovski, who was the dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the time of the construction expert report, emphasized that the expert report showed that the safety of visitors was not at all in the interest of the reconstruction and conversion of the building for the Pulse nightclub.
During the procedure, Markovskinoted that they made several visits to the location and analyzed samples of materials and the entire documentation.
“The construction expertise unfortunately showed unequivocally that in the Pulse club, the system, that is, the institutions and individuals, were not functioning at all. Neither the standards, nor the regulations, nor the procedures were respected. Those procedures that should ensure compliance with standards and regulations. Or simply nothing was respected,” said Markovski.
He also drew a parallel between the legal requirements for fire protection construction and what the expertise revealed in the Pulse case.
“During the fire in the Pulse club, part of the roof structure collapsed very quickly, which shows that no care was taken at all. Let me correct myself, maybe for industry when it was constructed, yes, but for a disco, no,” said Markovski.
Secondly, the construction should prevent the spread of fire and smoke in the building and to neighboring buildings. Unfortunately, as he stated, here too we have a disappointing realization.
“In the event of a fire, the building should allow people to leave the building unharmed, that is, to enable their rescue. Finally, the building should be constructed in such a way as to provide protection and easy access for rescue teams. Unfortunately, we have seen that this is not fulfilled,” added Markovski.
The expert’s conclusion is that there was practically no fire protection in the building.
