A devastating fire tore through a nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kocani early Sunday, leaving at least 51 dead and more than 100 injured.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski confirmed that the blaze was ignited by pyrotechnic devices used during a concert. “Sparks caused the fire … and it quickly spread through the discotheque,” he said.
Video footage from the event shows a band performing on stage as two flares shoot white sparks into the air. The sparks reportedly ignited the ceiling above the band, who were seen stepping away just before the video cuts off.
Local TV broadcasts later showed firefighters battling flames at the club, named Pulse, with its entrance left charred and smoking.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described the tragedy as a heartbreaking day for Macedonia. In a Facebook post, he mourned the loss of so many young lives, calling it an “irreparable tragedy” and emphasizing the profound grief of the victims’ families and loved ones.
“I urge all relevant institutions—health services and authorities—to take immediate action to assist the injured and support the families of the victims,” Mickoski said.
