Skopje, Mar 16 (EFE).- At least 51 people died and around 100 were injured in a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, in the east of North Macedonia, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said on Sunday.
The injured have been taken to clinics in Kocani, Shtip, and Skopje, said the minister, who traveled to the scene of the fire, which broke out at 2:00 am at the Pulse nightclub during a concert.
A view of the nightclub where 51 people lost their lives in a fire in Kocani, Republic of North Macedonia, 16 March 2025. EFE-EPA/GEORGI LICOVSKI
In a statement to the media, the minister said that the exact causes of the fire would be determined and all those responsible held able.
Toshkovski added that some of the organizers had been arrested, while other organizers were among the injured.
Initial reports indicate that the fire was caused by the improper use of fireworks inside the venue, where local band DNK was performing.
After the fire started, panic broke out in the nightclub, resulting in a stampede.
Many of the victims died of smoke suffocation, while others were burned to death.
About 30 injured people were taken to hospitals in Skopje, an hour away from the accident site.
Among the injured are believed to be some of the band that were performing at the nightclub.
Mobile phone videos of the moment the fire broke out inside the nightclub have been broadcast on social media and on several local television channels.
“The government is fully mobilized and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy,” Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote 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 added.
Mickoski will also request the postponement of the Western Balkan leaders’ summit, scheduled to be held next week in Podgorica, his office in Skopje reported.
The Football Federation of Macedonia announced a suspension of all league matches in the Balkan country on Sunday due to the tragedy. EFE
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