More than 1,500 concertgoers had gathered for a show.
Huge flames engulfed a nightclub in the city of Kočani, North Macedonia, leaving at least 60 concertgoers dead and over 155 injured with burns.
The blaze broke out at around 2:55 a.m. local time during the concert of the popular hip-hop duo DNK. Sadly, the singer and four other members of the band were also killed in the fire that led to the roof falling and creating a human stampede.
The nightclub where the fire started/ Georgi Licovski/EPA
The band’s singer, Andrej Gorgieski, who was killed in the fire, was reported to have left the club when the fire started but returned inside in order to help save some of the people.
As per the county’s interior minister, Panche Toshkovski, the fire was caused by the use of pyrotechnic devices “used for light effect.” Sadly, “the sparks caught the ceiling, which was made of easily flammable material, after which the fire rapidly spread across the whole discotheque, creating thick smoke”, he said during a press conference.
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, said the loss of that many young lives was “irreparable.”
I call on all competent institutions – health services, police, local authorities – to take urgent measures to assist the injured and support the affected families,” he said in a statement posted to Facebook.
“In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken with pain due to this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, solidarity, humanity and responsibility.”
Among those who lost their lives there were also minors.
All our capabilities have been put to use in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy,” the country’s health minister told the press.
Neighboring countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia offered assistance.
Videos that emerged on the social media show the moment when the fire broke. The band could be heard urging the guests to leave the club.
The entire Balkan, where North Macedonia is located, had been plunged “into profound shock over this tragedy.”
US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler posted on X: “My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last night’s fire at a nightclub in Kochani.
“Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their loved ones at this awful time, and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
“The loss of so many young lives in one community is a terrible tragedy. I have offered any assistance and the full resources of the U.S. Embassy to the Prime Minister, as well as our prayers for all those who suffer today.”
The family of the injured are gathered in front of the hospitals where their loved ones have been treated.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the grieving families and the people of North Macedonia.
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