Horrifying footage has revealed just how close fireworks were to concertgoers faces as they watched pop duo, DNK, perform in a North Macedonia nightclub, as the roof caught fire moments later
North Macedonia: Blaze engulfs nightclub in Kocani
A shocking video has captured a concert just moments before the building erupted into flames – causing at least 51 deaths in North Macedonia.
The footage, which was uploaded onto social media, revealed just how close fireworks were positioned to the stage at Club Pulse in the southern town of Kocani. It comes after the use of pyrotechnics was named as the cause of the horrific blaze on Sunday.
In multiple clips, the fireworks could be seen positioned close to the faces of spectators. Pop duo, DNK, continued to perform despite the sparks barely missing their faces as they sang.
According to authorities, the pyrotechnics caused the roof to catch fire. Witnesses claimed a stampede launched inside the venue as people tried to flee to safety, causing a mass crushing. Around 118 are reported to have been injured.
Interior minister Panche Toshkovski said the blaze began at about 2.35am local time on Sunday. Videos of the incident shared on social media shows chaos inside the club, with young people running through the smoke as the musicians urged people to escape as quickly as possible.
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.
“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.”
Officials said the injured have been taken to hospitals around the country, including the capital Skopje, many with severe burns.
Family members have gathered in front of hospitals and Kocani’s city offices begging authorities for more information.
Health minister Arben Taravari said 118 people are in hospital, adding that he has received offers of assistance from neighbouring countries. “All our capabilities have been put to use in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy,” he told reporters.
Mr Toshkovski said police have arrested one man but he did not provide details on the person’s alleged involvement. He said authorities will investigate the venue’s licensing and safety provisions, adding the government has a “moral responsibility” to help prosecute anyone responsible.
Condolences have poured in from politicians across the region, including Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, the European commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” Mr Zelensky wrote on X. “Ukraine mourns alongside our Macedonian friends on this sad day.”
