Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Claims Lives of 59
Early morning blaze during concert leads to extensive casualties and arrests in Kocani.
A devastating fire erupted early Sunday morning in a nightclub located in Kocani, North Macedonia, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 individuals and over 150 injuries, according to Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.
The blaze broke out at approximately 2:35 a.m. during a concert performed by a well-known local pop act, DNK, when the use of pyrotechnics caused the ceiling and roof to ignite.
Kocani is situated approximately 100 kilometers east of the capital city, Skopje.
In the aftermath, four individuals have been arrested as part of the investigation into the incident, including a former general secretary of the finance ministry.
The total number of suspects has reached 20, with most detained while others are among the injured or deceased.
North Macedonia’s Public Prosecutor, Ljupco Kocevski, confirmed that a team of five prosecutors has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Minister Toshkovski noted that the nightclub was operating without a legal license, linking its operation to bribery and corruption practices within the country.
He extended condolences to the grieving families of the victims, who predominantly consisted of young clubgoers.
Family members of victims gathered outside hospitals and city offices in Kocani, seeking information about their loved ones.
Some victims received urgent medical attention at facilities in neighboring Greece, while others were transferred to hospitals in Bulgaria.
Reports indicate that over 20 individuals are in critical condition.
The concert was attended by approximately 1,500 people.
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski canceled a scheduled trip to Montenegro, where he was meant to attend a meeting of the European People’s Party.
The incident marks a significant tragedy for the nation, prompting widespread public and governmental response.
The blaze broke out at approximately 2:35 a.m. during a concert performed by a well-known local pop act, DNK, when the use of pyrotechnics caused the ceiling and roof to ignite.
Kocani is situated approximately 100 kilometers east of the capital city, Skopje.
In the aftermath, four individuals have been arrested as part of the investigation into the incident, including a former general secretary of the finance ministry.
The total number of suspects has reached 20, with most detained while others are among the injured or deceased.
North Macedonia’s Public Prosecutor, Ljupco Kocevski, confirmed that a team of five prosecutors has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Minister Toshkovski noted that the nightclub was operating without a legal license, linking its operation to bribery and corruption practices within the country.
He extended condolences to the grieving families of the victims, who predominantly consisted of young clubgoers.
Family members of victims gathered outside hospitals and city offices in Kocani, seeking information about their loved ones.
Some victims received urgent medical attention at facilities in neighboring Greece, while others were transferred to hospitals in Bulgaria.
Reports indicate that over 20 individuals are in critical condition.
The concert was attended by approximately 1,500 people.
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski canceled a scheduled trip to Montenegro, where he was meant to attend a meeting of the European People’s Party.
The incident marks a significant tragedy for the nation, prompting widespread public and governmental response.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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