A devastating fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has tragically claimed the lives of 51 individuals and left over 100 injured, as reported by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski during a press conference.
The inferno erupted around 2:35 AM (6:35 PM AEDT) on Sunday night while a local pop group was performing, according to Toshkovski.
He attributed the cause of the blaze to pyrotechnics that ignited the roof.
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Videos captured the chaos within the club, showing young concert-goers fleeing through dense smoke as musicians urged everyone to evacuate swiftly.
Officials reported that the injured were transported to various hospitals across the country, including the capital, Skopje, many suffering from severe burns. The rescue efforts were supported by numerous volunteer organizations.
Health Minister Arben Taravari confirmed that 118 individuals have been hospitalized, noting that neighboring countries like Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece offered assistance.
“We have mobilized all available resources to save as many lives as possible during this tragic event involving our youth,” Taravari stated, visibly shaken during his address to reporters.
This incident marks one of the worst tragedies in recent history for the landlocked nation, which has a population of less than 2 million.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, saying, “Today is a profoundly sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the anguish experienced by families, friends, and loved ones is immeasurable.”
“The government and the people will strive to help ease their suffering during these incredibly difficult times.”
Family members gathered outside hospitals and the city offices in Kocani, pleading for more information on their loved ones.
The nightclub was located in an old building that had formerly served as a carpet warehouse and had been operational for several years, according to local media sources.
The fire caused the roof of the single-storey structure to partially collapse, exposing the charred remains of wooden beams and debris.
Authorities have cordoned off the site and dispatched evidence-gathering teams, in collaboration with state prosecutors.
Toshkovski indicated that an investigation would be conducted into the venue’s licensing and safety protocols, stating that the government holds a “moral responsibility” to pursue legal action against those responsible.
So far, police have arrested one individual, although details regarding their involvement have not been disclosed.
As news of this tragic incident spread, condolences poured in from neighboring countries and leaders across Europe.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, expressed her sadness on X, stating she was “deeply saddened” and that the EU “shares the grief and pain of the people of North Macedonia.” North Macedonia is currently a candidate for EU membership.
Messages of condolence also came from regional leaders, such as Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I wish a swift recovery to those injured. Ukraine mourns alongside our North Macedonian friends on this sorrowful day,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
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