Cliff Notes
- A fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, resulted in at least 51 fatalities, with the blaze reportedly ignited by fireworks during a performance.
- Health Minister Arben Taravari confirmed that 118 individuals were hospitalised, with many suffering severe burns; regional countries have offered medical assistance.
- Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, pledging government support to the affected families and victims.
At least 51 dead after nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia
At least 51 people are reported to have died in a fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia.
The blaze broke out while a local pop band was performing at Pulse in the town of Kocani at around 2.35am on Sunday, interior minister Panche Toshkovski told a news conference.
Fireworks were reportedly set off inside the venue, causing the roof to catch fire, according to local media.
Video from the event shows the band playing on stage when two flares go off either side of them and shoot towards the ceiling.
Health Minister Arben Taravari said 118 people were taken to hospital, with neighbouring countries also offering medical assistance.
“All our capabilities have been put to use, in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy,” Mr Taravari told assembled media.
North Macedonia fire
Some are being treated at Kocani General Hospital, where relatives have gathered to await more information, newspaper Nova Makedonija said.
Broadcaster MRT reported that 27 people were being treated for severe burns at Skopje City Hospital, with another 23 at the Clinical Centre.
The country’s prime minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote in a statement on X: “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.”
He promised the government would do “everything in their power to at least slightly alleviate their pain”.
Premiers around the world send their condolences
The US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler also posted on X, saying her “heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last night’s fire at a nightclub in Kochani”.
“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,” she said.
Various leaders offered their condolences, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our North Macedonian friends on this sad day,” Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X.