At least 51 people are reported to have died in a fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia.
The blaze broke out while a local pop band was performing at Pulse in the town of Kocani at around 2.35am on Sunday, interior minister Panche Toshkovski told a news conference.
Fireworks were reportedly set off inside the venue, causing the roof to catch fire, according to local media.
Video from the event shows the band playing on stage when two flares go off either side of them and shoot towards the ceiling.
Health Minister Arben Taravari said 118 people were taken to hospital, with neighbouring countries also offering medical assistance.
“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,” Mr Taravari told assembled media.
The roof of the nightclub was badly damaged in the fire. Pic: Reuters
Emergency services and locals gather at the scene in Kocani on Sunday. Pic: Reuters
Some are being treated at Kocani General Hospital, where relatives have gathered to await more information, newspaper Nova Makedonija said.
Broadcaster MRT reported that 27 people were being treated for severe burns at Skopje City Hospital, with another 23 at the Clinical Centre.
The country’s prime minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote in a statement on X: “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable.”
He promised the government would do “everything in their power to at least slightly alleviate their pain”.
Fireworks go off during a performance in a club. Pic: Reuters
Rescue crews in front of the nightclub after the fire. Pic: Kocani TV via AP
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The US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler also posted on X, saying her “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,” she said.
Various leaders offered their condolences, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our North Macedonian friends on this sad day,” Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X.
This story originally appeared on Skynews
