A devastating fire tore through a crowded nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kocani early on Sunday, killing 59 people and injuring more than 100 after sparks from a live band’s pyrotechnics ignited the roof.
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals in connection with the fire, including the club’s owner, who has been detained, according to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski.
A video from the scene, verified by Reuters, showed a band performing on stage surrounded by flares, with the white sparks from the devices setting the ceiling on fire. The blaze sparked a chaotic rush for the exits, leaving many separated from their friends and family in the panic.
Survivor Marija Taseva, 22, recalled the terrifying moments to local TV 5. “Everyone was trying to save themselves,” she said. As she tried to escape, Taseva fell, and people trampled over her, injuring her cheek. In the chaos, she lost contact with her sister, who is still missing. “We can’t find her in any hospital,” Taseva added.
The fire, which started around 3 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), was caused by “pyrotechnic devices,” the Interior Minister confirmed. Around 148 people were hospitalized in Skopje, Kocani, and nearby towns, according to Health Minister Arben Taravari. Eighteen people were critically injured, with some suffering severe burns.
Among the injured were several minors, and authorities reported that some victims were flown to neighboring Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece for treatment.
As survivors and family members searched for missing loved ones, Simeon Sokolov, 50, found his daughter Anastasija in the emergency ward at Skopje’s September 8 hospital, where she was being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. “I just know that many children have suffered,” he told Reuters, referring to the large number of young victims.
The investigation into the incident is underway, with five prosecutors assigned to the case. North Macedonia’s Public Prosecutor, Ljupco Kocevski, said orders had been issued for evidence collection and interviews with individuals involved.
Firefighters worked into the early morning to extinguish the flames at the nightclub, “Pulse,” with ambulances arriving at the scene. Local footage showed the club’s roof partially collapsed, exposing charred wooden beams.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his grief on Facebook, calling the day “difficult and very sad for Macedonia.” He noted that the loss of so many young lives was “irreparable,” while the pain felt by the families, loved ones, and friends was “immeasurable.”
After visiting the injured in Skopje’s hospital, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, visibly shaken, said, “I simply cannot comprehend this… what a disaster, what a tragedy.” She assured the public that authorities would do everything in their power to assist those affected.
