Tragic Nightclub Fire Claims 59 Lives in North Macedonia
A devastating fire at Pulse nightclub in Kocani leads to significant casualties and injuries, prompting a national outpouring of grief.
A fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, early on Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals and injured over 100 others.
The venue, which was reportedly filled to capacity, had an estimated attendance of over 1,000 people at the time of the incident.
According to Interior Minister Banche Toskovski, authorities have confirmed the identities of 35 victims, while investigations are ongoing.
Toskovski also announced the issuance of arrest warrants for four individuals, and reports indicate that the owner of the nightclub has already been arrested.
The fire is believed to have originated from pyrotechnics that ignited the ceiling above the stage where a musical performance was taking place.
Video footage captured the moment when fireworks ignited the ceiling, leading to flames that quickly engulfed the venue.
Panic erupted as patrons fled in all directions to escape the inferno.
Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that approximately 148 people have been transported to hospitals in Skopje, Kocani, and nearby towns for treatment, with 18 victims listed as critically injured.
Public broadcasting services stated that among those injured, 27 suffered severe burns and 23 others are receiving care at local medical facilities, including minors.
In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister Kristijan Mickoski shared his condolences on social media, describing the day as profoundly sad for North Macedonia.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of so many young lives and offered heartfelt condolences to the families affected.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Geliaskov characterized the disaster as a "huge humanitarian tragedy," extending an offer of assistance for the transportation and treatment of the injured in Sofia and Varna.
He announced that measures were being taken to prepare Bulgarian military resources for this purpose.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also expressed his willingness to provide any necessary support, while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared a message of solidarity, indicating readiness to assist during these challenging times.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed her sorrow over the tragedy on social media, stating that the EU shares the grief of the people of North Macedonia and lamenting the loss of so many young lives in Kocani.
The venue, which was reportedly filled to capacity, had an estimated attendance of over 1,000 people at the time of the incident.
According to Interior Minister Banche Toskovski, authorities have confirmed the identities of 35 victims, while investigations are ongoing.
Toskovski also announced the issuance of arrest warrants for four individuals, and reports indicate that the owner of the nightclub has already been arrested.
The fire is believed to have originated from pyrotechnics that ignited the ceiling above the stage where a musical performance was taking place.
Video footage captured the moment when fireworks ignited the ceiling, leading to flames that quickly engulfed the venue.
Panic erupted as patrons fled in all directions to escape the inferno.
Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that approximately 148 people have been transported to hospitals in Skopje, Kocani, and nearby towns for treatment, with 18 victims listed as critically injured.
Public broadcasting services stated that among those injured, 27 suffered severe burns and 23 others are receiving care at local medical facilities, including minors.
In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister Kristijan Mickoski shared his condolences on social media, describing the day as profoundly sad for North Macedonia.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of so many young lives and offered heartfelt condolences to the families affected.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Geliaskov characterized the disaster as a "huge humanitarian tragedy," extending an offer of assistance for the transportation and treatment of the injured in Sofia and Varna.
He announced that measures were being taken to prepare Bulgarian military resources for this purpose.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also expressed his willingness to provide any necessary support, while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared a message of solidarity, indicating readiness to assist during these challenging times.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed her sorrow over the tragedy on social media, stating that the EU shares the grief of the people of North Macedonia and lamenting the loss of so many young lives in Kocani.
