Deadly Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia: Tragedy Strikes During Concert

At least 51 individuals have lost their lives, and over 100 have suffered injuries in a tragic nightclub fire in North Macedonia, authorities report.

The fire is believed to have ignited around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT) at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town situated approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the capital city, Skopje. Videos circulating on social media vividly show the venue engulfed in flames.

An estimated 1,500 people were present at a concert featuring DNK, a well-known hip-hop duo in the region.

According to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, preliminary findings suggest that sparks from pyrotechnic devices ignited the blaze.

In a statement made outside the Kocani police station, he explained that these sparks struck a ceiling composed of highly flammable material, leading the fire to rapidly consume the club. He also mentioned that a few arrests have been made in connection to the incident.

Recordings reveal the band performing onstage when two flares ignite, with the resulting sparks catching on the ceiling and quickly spreading throughout the venue.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski addressed the nation via Facebook, stating that the government is “fully mobilized and prepared to take all necessary steps to address the aftermath and investigate the origins of this tragedy.”

He described the incident as a “challenging and profoundly sorrowful day” for the nation, as it has been marred by the loss of so many young lives.

The hospital in Kocani initially admitted 90 patients, many of whom suffered from severe burns. Several of the injured have since been transferred to medical facilities in Skopje for advanced treatment.