Fire ripped through a packed nightclub early on Sunday (March 16) in the North Macedonian town of Kocani, leaving dozens of people dead and more than 100 injured. Police have detained the owner of the club over the incident.

Kočani

A fire at a nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kocani has left dozens of people dead and more than 100 injured. Video footage from the event, confirmed by Reuters, shows a band performing on stage as flares emit sparks into the air, igniting the ceiling. Authorities have taken the nightclub's owner into custody for further investigation.

The fire led to panic among club-goers, separating friends and family as they rushed for exits. Local television images revealed firefighters at the scene, and ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals. The nightclub's corrugated iron roof was seen burnt and caved in, while supporting wooden beams were charred.

Interior Minister Pancha Toshkovski reported that arrest warrants were issued for multiple individuals, and suspects remain under investigation. The blaze, originating from pyrotechnic devices, began early in the morning local time. North Macedonia's health minister stated that many victims were hospitalized, including minors, suffering from severe burns. The public prosecutor has commenced an investigation into the incident, and condolences have been offered to the victims' families.



Dozens killed and injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

Dozens of people have been killed and many more injured after a fire tore through a packed nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kachani early on Sunday. Video from the event, verified by Reuters, showed a band playing on a stage flanked by two flares firing white sparks into the air, some of which set the ceiling alight. State news agency MIA reported that police have detained the owner of the club over the incident. And Interior Minister Pancha Toshkovski said arrest warrants have been issued for several others. The fire caused immediate panic and friends and loved ones were separated as people fled to the exits. TV footage from a local broadcaster showed firefighters at the Pulse nightclub as ambulances rushed from the scene. Reuters pictures showed the club's corrugated iron roof burned through and collapsed in places, with its wooden beams blackened and exposed. North Macedonia's health minister said dozens were hospitalised in Skopje, Kachani and surrounding towns, with local media adding that some were being treated for severe burns, with minors among the injured. Toshkovski said the blaze, which began at around 3am local time, was caused by sparks from, quote, pyrotechnic devices. Speaking to the media, he offered his condolences to the families of the victims. North Macedonia's public prosecutor said the incident would be investigated.

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