The death toll in a devastating fire at a nightclub in Kochani, North Macedonia, has risen to 59, with reports of eight more fatalities. Additionally, at least 152 people were injured.
Meanwhile, police have arrested 10 people in connection with the incident, according to The New York Times.
The fire broke out at the "Pulse Club" at around 2:30 AM local time on Sunday, March 16th. Approximately 500 people were attending a concert by the popular local hip-hop band DNK.
According to local media reports, the building was engulfed in thick smoke after the fire started, and many people were unable to escape due to narrow exits. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova stated that seriously injured individuals have been sent to Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey for advanced medical treatment.
In a statement, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said that initial investigations suggest the fire started when fireworks used during the concert ignited the ceiling, which was made of flammable material. The fire then quickly spread throughout the club.
A video verified by the BBC showed two fireworks igniting during the band's performance, with the fire rapidly spreading to the ceiling. Many attendees were still inside the club, and some attempted to extinguish the fire, but the situation quickly became uncontrollable.
Biljana Arsovska, a spokesperson for the North Macedonian Public Prosecutor's Office, announced that 10 people have been arrested in connection with the fire, including ministry officials who had approved the nightclub.
Interior Minister Toshkovski revealed that the club did not have a valid operating license. Police are now investigating whether bribery and corruption were involved in the club's operation.
Local media reports indicate that the nightclub was converted from an old carpet warehouse and lacked adequate emergency facilities. Prosecutor Arsovska stated that there was only one functional exit, as the back door was locked.
The North Macedonian government has declared seven days of national mourning following the incident. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has called an emergency meeting to investigate the fire.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized that no business or activity can operate outside of standards and regulations. She stressed the need to ensure that the lives of innocent people are no longer put at risk.
