A catastrophic fire which broke out in a nightclub in North Macedonia sparked a mass stampede on the weekend. At least 51 people are thought to have died
North Macedonia: Fire crews respond to nightclub blaze
At least 51 partygoers have died after a huge blaze erupted at a night club in North Macedonia.
Emergency services raced to Club Pulse in the southern town of Kocani following reports of a fire in the early hours of the morning. Witnesses said several people were crushed to death as a “stampede” formed when they tried to escape.
Interior minister Panche Toshkovski told a press conference that 51 people have been killed and around 118 have been injured. In a video that emerged online, firework displays were placed at each side of the stage. The use of pyrotechnics inside the event has been listed as the cause of the fire.
Around 1,500 people attended the club for a concert by a local pop group. A radio station reported: “A catastrophic and tragic fire occurred last night at around 3am in the Pulse Disco Club in Kocani. Horrific scenes and a dramatic struggle to rescue the injured and survivors took place in the early morning hours.
“The number of victims is still unknown, with 20, 50 and up to 100 victims mentioned. Fire crews from all surrounding towns, as well as vehicles and medical teams, arrived to extinguish the fire and rescue the young people. It is assumed that this terrible tragedy, which has not been recorded in the history of Kocani, occurred due to the lighting effects in the disco during a concert by the group DNA.”
Footage from the scene showed fire crews storm into the venue as the fire calmed down. Locals gathered around the club as they stood in shock. Radio station, Kocani, shared the devastating scenes online which showed people running outside the street. A member of the security team was also spotted catching his breath.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski is reported to have rushed to the scene following the tragedy. He paid tribute to the victims on social media and said it was a “difficult and very sad day.” He wrote on Twitter (X) on Sunday: “The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, while the pain of our families, our close ones and our friends is immeasurable. The people and the government will do everything in their power to at least slightly alleviate their pain and help them in these most difficult moments.”
Angela Aggeler, the US ambassador to North Macedonia, wrote on the Twitter: “My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last night’s fire at a nightclub in Kochani. Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their loved ones at this awful time, and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
“The loss of so many young lives in one community is a terrible tragedy. I have offered any assistance and the full resources of the U.S. Embassy to the Prime Minister, as well as our prayers for all those who suffer today.” According to local radio station Lider, police have detained the organisers who hosted the private disco. In a statement, the public prosecutor’s office said: “The number of victims and injured in the fire is being determined.”