At least 59 people were killed and over 100 got injured in the fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia on early Sunday. Arrest warrants have been issued against four people in connection with the fire.
The video footage released after the incident showed flares used at the live concert triggering the fire. The sudden fire caused panic leading to a stampede trapping many inside. Over 1,000 people attended the concert by DNK, a hip-hop popular in the country.
According to the police, the owner of the club has been detained.
Health minister Arben Taravari said that around 148 people were hospitalised in Skopje, Kocani. At least 18 of those admitted were critical, Taravari said.
The fire occurred at around 3 am and was caused by "pyrotechnic devices" whose sparks triggered the blaze, Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said.
Toskovski also added that the police are thoroughly investigating the cause of the fire. 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.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep sadness over the incident. “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.”
European leaders offered assistance and expressed condolences over the mishap. Greece, Bulgaria and Albania offered quick assistance. "Heartfelt condolences to the people of North Macedonia for the lives lost in the tragic fire in Kočani.
My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Greece stands ready to assist in this difficult time," the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.