A devastating fire erupted in a nightclub in North Macedonia early Sunday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of 51 lives and injuring over 100 individuals, according to authorities.
The inferno was ignited by pyrotechnic devices at approximately 2:35 a.m. during a concert by a local pop group at the Pulse nightclub situated in Kocani, as reported by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.
“Sparks triggered the fire, which rapidly spread throughout the discotheque,” he stated, referencing information from Reuters.
The injured were swiftly transported to hospitals nationwide, with many suffering from severe burns, officials confirmed.
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Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that 118 individuals have been hospitalized.
“We are utilizing all our capabilities, making a maximum effort to save as many lives as we can for the young people affected by this tragedy,” Taravari remarked, noting that neighboring countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece have extended their assistance.
The nightclub was housed in an old building, previously a carpet warehouse, and had been operational for several years, local media MKD disclosed.
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The fire ravaged the single-story structure, leading to a partial roof collapse. Authorities cordoned off the area while teams collected evidence from within the premises.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain felt by families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.”
He further remarked, “The people and the government will do everything in their power to slightly alleviate their pain and assist them during these incredibly tough times.”
Toshkovski indicated that officials would scrutinize the nightclub’s licensing and safety protocols, declaring that the government has a “moral responsibility” to ensure accountability for those involved. Police have arrested one individual, though details regarding their involvement have not been disclosed.
