20 Arrested in North Macedonia Nightclub Fire Including Government Officials

Twenty people, including government officials, have been arrested following a devastating fire that swept through a nightclub in North Macedonia, killing at least 59 people. More than 155 individuals sustained injuries in the blaze, which erupted during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Footage captured at the scene shows the Pulse club in Kocani, a town located approximately 100 km east of Skopje, engulfed in flames as bystanders looked on in horror. The fire reportedly broke out at around 02:35 local time (01:35 GMT) during a performance by the hip-hop band ADN.

According to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, among the casualties were more than 20 injured and three fatalities under the age of 18. He confirmed that the nightclub was operating without a valid license. Government officials and the club manager have been arrested in connection with the fire, bringing the total number of detentions to 20. The club owner's son and members of the performing band are also among those taken into custody.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the club’s license was illegally issued by the economy ministry and assured that all individuals responsible would be held accountable, regardless of their position, institution, or political affiliation. In response to the tragedy, a seven-day national mourning period has been declared.

Dragi Stojanov, whose 21-year-old son Tomce was inside the nightclub when the fire broke out, expressed his devastation, lamenting that his only child had perished in the incident. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with victims trapped inside the burning building and firefighters struggling to recover bodies from the wreckage.

Authorities have reported that fireworks were set off inside the venue, which may have contributed to the fire. The building, previously used as a carpet warehouse, had a roof that caught fire due to the fireworks. Video footage from the scene displays thick smoke and flames illuminating the night sky.

Reports indicate that 27 individuals are currently receiving treatment for severe burns at Skopje City Hospital, while an additional 23 have been transferred to the Clinical Centre. The public prosecutor’s office has released a statement confirming that efforts are ongoing to determine the final number of victims and those injured. Health Minister Arben Taravari assured that all available medical resources have been mobilized, with neighboring countries offering assistance.

Initial estimates from authorities suggested that at least 50 people had died in the fire, with as many as 1,500 attending the concert at the time of the incident. Many were successfully evacuated, while others were rushed to hospitals in Kocani and Stip for treatment. Distraught family members have gathered outside hospitals and city offices, desperately seeking information about their loved ones.

Prime Minister Mickoski described the incident as a tragic day for North Macedonia, expressing condolences and pledging full government support for affected families. He has since canceled a planned trip to Montenegro, where he was scheduled to attend a European People's Party summit.

Authorities have confirmed the arrest of at least one individual, but further details regarding their role in the incident have yet to be disclosed. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and the extent of regulatory failures that contributed to the catastrophe.