A tragic fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, claimed the lives of 59 individuals and left over 100 injured early Sunday morning, as reported by Interior Minister Pance Toskovski. Authorities have detained four people in connection with the disaster, which was sparked by “pyrotechnic devices” used during a live performance.
Toskovski explained that sparks ignited a fire, which quickly spread throughout the venue. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. in Kocani, approximately 60 miles from Skopje, the capital.
Footage from the event, confirmed by Reuters, shows a band playing on stage while two flares emit white sparks. These sparks set the ceiling alight, and the band members are seen stepping back just before the video ends.
Among the victims was 21-year-old Tomce Stojanov, the only child of Dragi Stojanov. In an interview with The Associated Press, Stojanov expressed his devastation, saying, “One hundred and fifty souls. One hundred and fifty families have been devastated. What is left for me in life? I don’t need my life anymore. This was my only child.”
Local TV footage showed firefighters working to extinguish the flames at the nightclub, named Pulse, which was severely damaged by the fire. Stojanov added, “They can’t even get the bodies out. They can’t pull them out, not even with helicopters, special forces, they can’t pull them out.”
According to North Macedonia’s MRT public broadcaster, 27 individuals with serious burns were admitted to Skopje City Hospital, while another 23 were treated at the Clinical Center. The injured included minors, as reported.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences on Facebook, stating, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable.” He urged health services and relevant authorities to take swift action to aid the injured and support the affected families.
Freddie Clayton, a freelance journalist based in London, contributed to this report.