A devastating nightclub fire in North Macedonia It has been labeled one of the nation's most devastating events in recent years, with over 50 fatalities and more than 100 injuries reported.
The Pulse nightclub was engulfed with flames at 2:35am on Sunday morning In Kočani, approximately 100 kilometers east of the capital city, Skopje .
Law enforcement has detained 20 individuals related to this event, encompassing governmental officers and the site’s administrator, who failed to possess a legitimate permit for the location.
Videos shared online depicted pandemonium within the club as the performers on stage implored everyone to exit immediately. Outside recordings of the establishment revealed the intensifying fire engulfing the rooftop.
The local authorities are looking into the venue's licensing and safety measures, since the government has emphasized its "ethical duty" to assist in prosecuting those accountable for the fire.
Where was the fire located?
The incident occurred at the Pulse nightclub. nightclub , an ancient structure that formerly served as a carpet depot and had been operational for many years, as reported by local media MKD.
What was the crowd size at the club?
The reports indicate that approximately 1,500 individuals, some of whom were minors, were present at the location during the performance by the local hip-hop band DNK.
"A fire erupted, people began yelling and screaming: ‘Exit, exit,’" Marija Taseva, 22, reported to Reuters.
While attempting to flee, Taseva stumbled and ended up being stepped on by others, which injured her face. Amidst the chaos, she became separated from her sibling, who couldn’t get away either. “My sister passed away,” Taseva recounted, tearfully admitting the sorrowful truth.
What caused the fire?
Early reports indicate that the blaze began due to sparks generated by fireworks during the concert, according to Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.
At a press conference, he stated that sparks ignited the ceiling, constructed from an extremely combustible substance.
Footage shows a local pop group playing on stage when two flares went off and the sparks led to the blaze rapidly spreading throughout the venue.
How many casualties?
Mr. Toshkovski verified that the incident resulted in 59 fatalities and more than 100 individuals sustaining injuries due to the blaze.
The health minister, Arben Taravari, stated that 118 individuals have been admitted to hospitals. Additionally, over 20 of the wounded and three of the deceased were minors, according to him.
“We have utilized all our resources in an intense endeavor to rescue as many young individuals affected by this catastrophe as we can.”
Local media outlets have covered 90 patients admitted to the nearby hospital in Kočani, with numerous cases involving critical burn injuries.
27 individuals were transported to Skopje At City Hospital, several individuals suffered from severe burns, while an additional 23 people received treatment at the Clinical Center. Reports indicate that some of those affected included children who were harmed during the fire incident.
Certain individuals were relocated to nearby nations like Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece for medical care, as reported by officials from these respective countries.
Has anyone been arrested?
About 20 individuals were detained in relation to the incident, including governmental personnel and the head of the "Pulse" club, which lacked proper authorization, according to an announcement made by Interior Minister Pance Toskovski at a press briefing.
The nation's public prosecutor, Ljupco Kocevski, stated that five prosecutors will look into the incident. He added, "Currently, instructions have been given to gather evidence," and mentioned that individuals are undergoing interviews, though he did not provide further details.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the license had been unlawfully granted by the Ministry of Economy, vowing that all individuals involved would be held accountable regardless of their position, affiliation, or occupation. "It doesn’t matter whether they belong to an institution, hold power at high levels, represent different parties, or have various professions,” Mickoski emphasized. He announced a period of seven days for nationwide mourning.
What has North Macedonia’s prime minister said?
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated: "Today is a challenging and profoundly sorrowful day for Macedonia. The passing of numerous young individuals cannot be undone, and the anguish felt by their families, close acquaintances, and friends is immense."
“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 appealed to healthcare providers, law enforcement, and municipal officials to implement "immediate actions" to assist the wounded and aid impacted households.
“The Government is fully mobilized and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy.
In these moments of profound grief, when our hearts are shattered by the agony from this horrific disaster, I urge for unity, solidarity, compassion, and accountability.
What statements have global leaders made?
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky I hope for a quick recovery for those who were injured. On this sorrowful day, Ukraine grieves with our (North) Macedonian friends.
Albania prime minister Edi Rama “I convey my deepest sympathies to the brothers and sisters” with a heavy heart. North Macedonia For the significant tragedy in Kočani.
I find myself speechless and hope for the recovery of those who were hurt, as well as for the families of the victims to gather the courage to cope with their indescribable grief.
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