Nightclub fire in North Macedonia kills 51, injures over 100

A tragic fire engulfed a nightclub in North Macedonia early Sunday, leaving 51 people dead and over 100 injured.

The blaze reportedly broke out at Club Pulse in Kocani after fireworks ignited flammable ceiling materials, according to the country’s interior minister, Pance Toskovski.

The club, packed with over 1,000 attendees, was hosting a performance by popular hip-hop group DNK when the fire erupted. Toskovski explained that pyrotechnic effects, commonly used for stage lighting, likely triggered the inferno.

“The sparks ignited the ceiling, which was made of flammable materials, causing the fire to spread rapidly and produce thick smoke,” he stated.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski joined Toskovski in visiting the disaster site.

Emergency teams, including medical units from the Macedonian army, were dispatched to reinforce local hospitals. Some of the severely injured victims were airlifted to Skopje, the capital, for treatment. At least 27 patients were admitted to the Naum Ohridski clinic, according to Dr. Nebojsa Nastov.

Social media videos captured moments before the tragedy, showing “stage fountains” – a type of indoor firework – being used during the performance. Footage from local media also displayed the club’s entrance completely burned.

This incident follows a 2021 fire at a COVID-19 treatment center in Tetovo, which claimed 14 lives. Authorities are now investigating the nightclub fire, with concerns raised over safety regulations and fire prevention measures.