devastating fire tore through a crowded nightclub in the eastern North Macedonian town of Kocani in the early hours of Sunday, killing 59 people and injuring more than 100 others. The blaze erupted after sparks from pyrotechnic devices ignited the roof during a live performance by a popular hip-hop duo, according to authorities.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski confirmed that arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals in connection with the incident, including the nightclub owner. State news agency Mia reported that the owner has already been detained by police.
The fire broke out around 3:00 a.m. at the Club Pulse, which was packed with more than 1,000 mostly young attendees enjoying a concert by the duo DNK. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the fire quickly spread. "At first, we didn’t believe there was a fire. Then there was huge panic in the crowd, and everyone rushed to get out," one concertgoer told local media outside a hospital in Skopje, the capital.
Health Minister Arben Taravari said at a press conference that 148 people were hospitalized in Skopje, Kocani, and nearby towns, with 18 in critical condition. Some of the most severe cases were transported to neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece, for specialized treatment. Authorities in those nations confirmed that medical teams were assisting with the crisis.
North Macedonia’s public broadcaster MRT reported that 27 people were being treated for severe burns at Skopje City Hospital, while another 23 were admitted to the Clinical Center. Among the injured were minors, highlighting the young demographic of the victims.
As families searched for missing relatives online and at hospitals, North Macedonia’s Public Prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski announced that five prosecutors had been assigned to investigate the tragedy. "Orders have been issued for the collection of evidence, and interviews are being conducted," Kocevski said, though he provided no further details.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described the incident as "a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia," emphasizing the irreparable loss of young lives. President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, who visited the injured in Skopje, expressed her shock, calling the fire "a disaster, a tragedy."
International leaders also offered condolences and support. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov described the fire as "a huge human tragedy" and offered to transport critically injured patients to medical facilities in Sofia and Varna. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis extended "heartfelt condolences" and pledged assistance, while Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed readiness to provide any necessary aid.
Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the blaze, with TV footage showing the charred and smoking entrance of the nightclub as ambulances rushed victims to hospitals. The incident has left the nation in mourning, with questions mounting about safety regulations and accountability.