In a devastating incident, a catastrophic fire in a North Macedonian nightclub has resulted in the deaths of at least 51 individuals, with over 100 more sustaining injuries. The tragic event occurred at the Pulse club in Kocani, located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the capital, Skopje, early in the morning at around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT).
Details of the fire and its aftermath
The nightclub was reportedly hosting a concert by the popular hip-hop duo DNK, drawing an audience of approximately 1,500 attendees. Eyewitness videos shared on social media depict the club engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, initial investigations suggest that the blaze was ignited by sparks from pyrotechnic devices used during the performance. These sparks reportedly ignited the ceiling, which was constructed from highly flammable materials, allowing the flames to spread rapidly throughout the venue.
“This is a difficult and very sad day for our country which has lost so many young lives,” stated Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
The Prime Minister expressed the government’s commitment to responding to this tragedy, assuring that all necessary measures would be taken to address the aftermath and investigate the causes of the fire. Authorities have also confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Response and recovery efforts
The local hospital in Kocani reported that approximately 90 individuals were initially admitted, many suffering from severe burns and other injuries. Several of the more critically injured patients have since been transferred to medical facilities in Skopje for advanced care.
The tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained during this event have profoundly impacted the community and the nation as a whole, as the country mourns the lives of those lost in the blaze.