At least 59 people have been killed and over 150 injured in a devastating fire at a packed nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia. The blaze erupted on Sunday morning during a concert by the band DNK, triggered by pyrotechnics inside the venue.
Videos posted online show the rapid spread of the fire, fueled by easily flammable materials, including stage fountains used during performances. The government has issued arrest warrants for four individuals in connection with the fire and plans to order emergency inspections of all nightclubs and restaurant venues that host parties.
The country’s Sloboden Pecat newspaper reported that the government is expected to declare a seven-day mourning period. Condolences have poured in from across the continent, including from the European Council president Antonio Costa and Pope Francis, who expressed his deep condolence to the families of the victims.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/16/at-least-51-people-killed-in-nightclub-fire-in-north-macedonia