Tragedy in North Macedonia: 59 Dead, Over 100 Injured in Nightclub Fire
Disaster Unfolds in Kocani
KOCANI: Fire ripped through a packed nightclub early on Sunday in the North Macedonian town of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring more than 100, after sparks ignited the roof over a live band.
Investigation Launched
Arrest warrants have been issued for four people in connection with the fire, said interior minister Pance Toskovski. State news agency Mia said that police have detained the owner of the club over the incident.
Survivors’ Accounts
One video from the event, verified by Reuters, showed a band playing on stage flanked by two flares, the white sparks of which set the ceiling alight. Friends and family were separated in a panicked rush to the exits.
Search for Missing Loved Ones
As the fire raged on, people searched for missing loved ones online and at hospitals across the country on Sunday. Marija Taseva, 22, a survivor of the disaster, recounted her harrowing experience. "Everyone was trying to save themselves," she said. "As I tried to escape, I fell to the ground and people trod over me, leaving me with an injury on my cheek. In the rush, I lost contact with my sister, who is still missing. We can’t find her in any hospital."
Hospital Treatment
About 148 people were hospitalised in Skopje, Kocani, and surrounding towns, health minister Arben Taravari said at a press conference. Eighteen people were critically injured, Taravari said. North Macedonia’s MRT public broadcaster reported that 27 people were hospitalised at the Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, and another 23 were being treated at the Clinical Center. Among the injured were minors, it said.
International Assistance
Some patients were flown to neighbouring Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece for treatment, authorities from those countries said.
Investigation Continues
North Macedonia’s public prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski said five prosecutors would investigate the incident. "At the moment, orders have been issued for collecting of evidence" and some people were being interviewed, Kocevski said, without elaborating.
Condolences and Support
North Macedonia Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said on Facebook: "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." After visiting the injured in a hospital in Skopje, North Macedonia’s president Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, dressed in black and fighting tears, said authorities were ready to do everything to help all affected. "I simply cannot comprehend this … what a disaster, what a tragedy."
Conclusion
The devastating nightclub fire in Kocani has left a nation in mourning, with the loss of 59 lives and over 100 injuries. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with arrest warrants issued for four individuals and the owner of the club detained. As the country mourns, the search for missing loved ones continues, and support is being offered to those affected by the tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were killed in the nightclub fire in Kocani?
A: 59 people were killed in the fire.
Q: How many people were injured in the fire?
A: Over 100 people were injured in the fire.
Q: What caused the fire?
A: The fire was caused by "pyrotechnic devices" whose sparks triggered the blaze.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with arrest warrants issued for four individuals and the owner of the club detained.