▲ Rescue workers operating at a nightclub in North Macedonia where a massive fire occurred
On the early morning of the 16th (local time), a large fire broke out at a nightclub in North Macedonia, Southern Europe, resulting in 59 deaths and 155 injuries, according to foreign reports.
The reports state that the fire occurred during a hip-hop performance at ‘Club Pulse,’ a nightclub in the small town of Kočani, which has a population of about 30,000.
Panče Tošikovski, the Minister of Interior of North Macedonia, said in a press conference, “According to the information obtained, there are 59 fatalities, with 35 of them identified.”
He added, “There are 155 injured, who are currently hospitalized across the country.”
Earlier briefings had reported 51 deaths and over 100 injuries, but the number of casualties has increased.
Of the injured, 18 are in critical condition, and some of the severely injured are either being transported to or are scheduled for transfer to other European countries for treatment.
Kristina Serafimovska, the director of Kočani Hospital, told local media, “The age range of the patients being treated is between 14 and 24,” and “70 of the patients have suffered burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.”
As Kočani Hospital became overwhelmed, the injured are being moved to other areas, including the capital Skopje.
Kočani residents are helping transport the injured using their own vehicles.
On the day of the incident, the popular local hip-hop duo DNK was performing at Club Pulse.
Around 1,000 to 1,500 people, mostly young, had gathered to watch the performance.
The fire broke out around 3 a.m.
Minister Tošikovski speculated that the fire was caused by sparks from fireworks used for lighting effects during the performance, which spread to the ceiling.
He explained, “The sparks caught onto the ceiling made of highly flammable material, which quickly spread the fire across the club, filling it with smoke.”
Videos depicting the chaotic scene at the nightclub, due to the fire, are circulating on social media.
A young woman waiting for her friend in front of Skopje Hospital told AFP and others, “Initially, I couldn’t believe there was a fire. Then people panicked and started rushing out.”
In an interview with local broadcasters, survivor Marija Taseva said she fell while trying to escape and was trampled, injuring her face, and expressed desperation, stating, “I lost my sister. I can’t find her in any hospital.”
Parents in the area are posting pictures of their missing children, who visited the nightclub that day, on social media to find them.
Dragi Stojanov, who lost his 21-year-old son, said, “The children were burned beyond recognition.”
The Ministry of Interior disclosed that arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals in connection with this tragedy.
Minister Tošikovski later revealed that the initial investigation showed the nightclub operated without proper authorization, resulting in the detention and investigation of 15 individuals.
He also mentioned that the club exceeded its official capacity of 250 people by at least double and stated, “There is evidence of bribery and corruption related to this incident,” prompting the ongoing investigation.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote on Facebook, “A difficult and very sad day for North Macedonia,” while neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania expressed condolences and readiness to assist in treating the injured.
Photo credits: AP, Kočani TV, Yonhap News