At least 59 people died while attending a concert in North Macedonia when a fire engulfed a nightclub. More than 100 were injured, with more than 1000 people in attendance. It is believed that the fire was caused by pyrotechnics hitting the venue’s ceiling made of flammable material.
According to the Daily Mail, the fire broke out at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, at the Pulse Club in Kocani, located 62 miles from North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje. The concert began at around midnight, and it featured the popular hip-hop duo DNK.
As previously stated, and believed to be the cause of the fire by Minister of the Interior Pance Toskovski, pyrotechnic sparks hit the club’s ceiling, which prompted it to catch fire. Toskovski, while being interviewed outside of the venue, detailed what might have happened inside.
“At the moment of activating the so-called sprinklers, the sparks caught the ceiling that was made of easily flammable material after which for a very short period of time the fire spread across the whole discotheque, creating a thick smoke,” Toskovski said.
Video footage shared online shows the use of the pyrotechnics that were used inside as well as the subsequent fire and firefighters attempting to put it out. Other videos show the charred remains of the venue hours after it started. In the footage, a clear hole can be seen in the club’s roof.
As a result of the fire, at least 59 people were ki.lled, as per Toskovski. More than 100 people were injured and transported to a local hospital in Kocani and other facilities at Stip, a local town located 18 south of Kocani. Some of the injured were even airlifted to the hospital.
Reactions
Many authorities reacted to the tragic fire, addressing the regrettable loss of life. Among them is North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, who called this a very sad day for Macedonia.
“With deep sorrow I received the news of the terrible tragedy in Kochani. This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia,” Mickoski wrote on Facebook. “The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable.”
“In these moments of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, and to the families of the deceased – strength to bear this unimaginable loss.”
Angela Aggeler, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia, also addressed the tragedy on X.
“My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last night’s fire at a nightclub in Kochani,” Aggeler wrote. “Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their loved ones at this awful time, and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
As per the BBC, arrest warrants have been issued for four people. The owner of the club has already been detained.
