Major Fire at North Macedonia Club... 59 Dead and 155 Injured

Fire Likely Caused by Fireworks Device
20 of the Injured in Critical Condition... Death Toll May Rise
North Macedonian Government Declares National Mourning Period

A large fire broke out at a nightclub in North Macedonia, Southern Europe, killing 59 people and injuring 155.

On the 16th (local time), rescue authorities are managing the scene at a nightclub in North Macedonia where a fire broke out. Photo by AP and Yonhap News.

According to Reuters and AP News on the 16th (local time), the fire occurred in the early morning at the nightclub 'Club Pulse' in Ko?ani, a small town with a population of about 30,000 in North Macedonia, during a hip-hop performance.

Pan?e Toshkovski, North Macedonia's Minister of the Interior, stated at a press conference, "There are 59 confirmed dead, with 35 identified," and added, "The number of injured is 155, currently hospitalized across the country." Among the injured, 20 are in critical condition. Arben Taravari, North Macedonia's Minister of Health, said the death toll could rise.

Kristina Serafimovska, director of Ko?ani Hospital, told local media, "The age range of patients under treatment is 16 to 24 years old." She also said that 70 of the patients suffered burns and carbon monoxide poisoning, and that most of the deaths were caused by crushing accidents.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m. that day. Minister Toshkovski estimated that sparks from fireworks used for lighting effects during the performance ignited the ceiling. He explained, "The flames caught on a highly flammable ceiling material and quickly spread throughout the club, producing thick smoke."

Survivor Mariya Taseva said in a local broadcast interview that she fell to the floor while trying to escape and was injured on her face after being trampled by others. She expressed despair, saying, "I lost my younger sister. No hospital can find her."

The Ministry of the Interior has issued arrest warrants for four people in connection with the disaster. Minister Toshkovski revealed that initial investigations showed the nightclub was operating without proper permits, and 15 people have been detained for investigation. He said the club's occupancy exceeded the official capacity of 250 by at least twice, adding, "There is evidence of bribery and corruption related to this incident."

The North Macedonian government declared a seven-day national mourning period. Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia, expressed condolences on Facebook, saying, "It is a difficult and very sad day for North Macedonia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.