North Macedonia Fire Kills at Least 50, Dozens Injured
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A massive fire broke out at a nightclub in North Macedonia during a concert, killing at least 50 people and injuring dozens more, local authorities said on Sunday.
Emergency services responded to the blaze at Club Pulse in Kocani, a town of nearly 25,000 residents, at around 3 a.m. local time. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as rescuers worked to pull survivors from the burning venue.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting the use of pyrotechnics during a performance may have triggered the blaze. "The number of victims and injured in the fire is being determined," the public prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
Local media reported that the town's hospital was overwhelmed with casualties, unable to accommodate the large number of injured. "A catastrophic and tragic fire occurred last night... Horrific scenes and a dramatic struggle to rescue the injured and survivors took place in the early morning hours," a local radio station reported.
The fire is believed to be the worst disaster in Kocani’s history. Fire crews from neighboring towns, along with emergency medical teams, rushed to the scene to assist. Reports indicated that the concert, attended by approximately 1,500 people, was underway when the fire started.
Authorities have arrested the event organizers, local media said. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski traveled to Kocani in the aftermath of the tragedy.
