Nightclub Fire In North Macedonia Kills 51, Injures Over 100.
At least 51 people have died and more than 100 others have been injured in a devastating nightclub fire in North Macedonia, officials have confirmed.
The fire broke out at around 2:30 am local time (1:30 GMT) on Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town approximately 100 km (60 miles) east of the capital, Skopje. Footage shared on social media showed the building engulfed in flames as people scrambled to escape.
As many as 1,500 people were reportedly inside the venue attending a concert by DNK, a popular hip-hop duo in the country.
Cause of the Fire and Initial Investigations
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the fire was triggered by pyrotechnic devices used during the concert.
“Sparks from the pyrotechnics hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material, causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the club,” Toskovski told reporters outside the Kocani police station.
He also confirmed that some arrests had been made as authorities continue their investigation into the tragedy.
Video footage captured the moment the band was performing when two flares were ignited, sending sparks towards the ceiling. Within seconds, the fire spread uncontrollably, leaving many trapped inside.
National Response and Government Action
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described the incident as a “difficult and very sad day” for the nation, mourning the loss of so many young lives.
“The government is fully mobilised and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy,” Mickoski said in a statement on Facebook.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with the local hospital in Kocani initially receiving 90 casualties, many suffering severe burns. Some of the injured have since been transferred to hospitals in Skopje for further treatment.
Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to establish accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
