At least 51 people killed in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski claims that a devastating fire at a packed nightclub in Kocani in North Macedonia has left at least 51 people dead and more than 100 others injured.

When pyrotechnics were ignited at about 3 a.m. (02:00 GMT) on Sunday during a concert by the band DNA inside the Kocani location, which is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Skopje, the blaze started.

The building is completely engulfed in flames, according to video from social media, with thick smoke plumes rising into the night sky.

According to witnesses, the flames suddenly started to spread quickly to the roof and ceiling before destroying the structure.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kocani’s Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office and emergency services were present.

“The number of victims and injuries is not yet known. The prosecutor’s office announced in a statement that all resources and capacities would be mobilized to assist the Kocani prosecution in its urgent response.