51 dead and more than 100 injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

Sopje, North Macedonia – A huge nightclub fire killed 51 people in North Macedonia in the eastern town of Kocani on Sunday, and injured more than 100, Minister of the Interior Panche Toshkovski told a press conference.

The fire broke out around 2:35 am during a concert of a local pop group in the Pulse Nighclub, according to Toshkovski. He said that pyrotechniek ensured that the roof caught fire. Videos showed chaos in the club, with young people who ran through the smoke while the musicians encouraged people to escape as quickly as possible.

Officials said the wounded were brought to hospitals throughout the country, including the capital, Skopje, many with serious burns. The effort was assisted by several volunteer organizations.

Minister of Health Arben Taravari said that 118 people were admitted to the hospital, and added that he had received offers from help from neighboring countries.

“All our capacities have been used, in a maximum attempt to save as many lives as possible from the young people involved in this tragedy,” Taravari said reporters, who sometimes visibly looked shocked.

This is the worst tragedy in recent memory to overcome the Landlock Nation, whose population is less than 2 million.

“This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable,” wrote Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on X, formerly Twitter.

“The people and the government will do everything they can to at least all their pain and to help them at these most difficult moments.”

Family members gathered for hospitals and the city firms of Kocani that beg authorities for more information.

The club was in an old building that used to be a carpet warehouse and has been active for several years, according to Local Media MKD.

Toskovski said that the authorities would investigate the license and safety provisions of the location, and added that the government had a “moral responsibility” to help everyone prosecute. The police have already arrested one man, but he has not provided any details about the person’s involvement.

Condolences came in from politicians in the region, including the Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, the European Expansion Commissioner, Marta Kos and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zenskyy.

“I wish those who were wounded a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns on this sad day with our (northern) Macedonian friends,” Zenskyy wrote on X.