Tragic fire in a northern Macedonia nightclub: at least 51 dead and more than 100 injured

The Interior Minister of Macedonia del Norte, Panche Toshkovski, confirmed on Sunday that in the fire at the ‘Pulse’ disco in Kocani, east of the country, at least 51 people died, and that about one hundred were injured.

«With deep regret, I inform the public opinion that, so far, 51 people have lost their lives in the tragedy, and around a hundred are injured and have been transferred to Kocani, Shtip and Skopie clinics,» said the minister, who traveled to the place of the fire, declared this morning at 02.00 GMT during a concert.

«The exact causes will be determined, and all those responsible will account. A part of the organizers have been arrested, while other organizers are among injured people, ”added Toshkovski in press statements.

The first information indicates that the fire was caused by the improper use of pyrotechnics inside the room, in which the local band DNK (DNA, in Spanish) acted.

After the fire began, panic took place in the disco and a stampede.

Many of the victims died suffocated by smoke while others died burned.

«I saw many bodies and hundreds of injured. You can imagine what it is to pass over bodies while looking for your sister, ”a 16 -year -old brother, hospitalized in a Shtip clinic, south of Kocani, told the media.

About thirty injured was transferred to hospitals in Skopie, which is located one hour by car from the accident.

Among the injured would be some band members offered by the concert at the disco.

In social networks and in several local television channels, mobile phone videos of the moment in which the fire begins inside the disco begins.

«The government is fully mobilized and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy,» wrote Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, on social networks.

«It’s a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreplaceable, ”added the president.

Mickoski will also request the postponement of the Summit of Leaders of the Western Balkans, scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday in Podgorica, his office in Skopie reported.

The Macedonia Football Federation announced that due to Kocani’s tragedy, the league day is suspended this Sunday in all categories of the Balkan country. EFE