Government officers amongst 20 arrested after fireplace at North Macedonia nightclub kills 59

Government officials are among those arrested after at least 59 people were killed dead and more than 100 are injured in a fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia early on Sunday.

The blaze broke out at the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kočani at around 2.35am during a concert by DNK, a popular hip-hop duo in the country.

The fire is believed to have started when sparks from pyrotechnic devices hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material and burned quickly, according to interior minister Panche Toshkovski.

More than 20 of the injured and three of those killed were aged under 18, he said.

Authorities arrested about 20 people in connection with the fire, including government officials and the manager of the “Pulse” nightclub, which did not have a valid licence, Interior Minister Pance Toskovski told a press conference.

Prime minister Hristijan Mickoski said the licence was issued illegally by the economy ministry and promised those responsible would face justice.

“Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession,” Mickoski said. He declared seven days of national mourning.

North Macedonia’s public broadcaster reported that 27 people had been taken to Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, while a further 23 were treated at the Clinical Centre. It is understood that children were injured in the blaze.

“Fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: ‘Get out, get out’,” Marija Taseva, 22, told Reuters. As she tried to escape, Taseva fell to the ground and people trod on her, injuring her face. In the rush, she lost contact with her sister, who did not make it out. “My sister died,” Taseva said, breaking into tears.

Footage on social media showed chaos inside the club and the growing blaze outside.

Family members have gathered in front of hospitals and Kočani’s city offices begging authorities for more information.

North Macedonia’s 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.”

“In these moments of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, and the families of the deceased – strength to endure this unimaginable loss.

“The people and the government will do everything in their power to at least alleviate their pain a little and help them in these most difficult moments.”

He called on health services, police and local authorities to take “urgent measures” to help the injured and support affected families.

“The government is fully mobilised and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy.

“In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken with pain due to this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, solidarity, humanity and responsibility.”

Marta Kos, the European commissioner for enlargement, said: “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kočani, North Macedonia, which claimed lives of too many young people.

“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the whole of North Macedonia during this terrible tragedy!”

Source: independent.co.uk