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Türkiye has extended its condolences to North Macedonia following a devastating nightclub fire in the town of Kocani that claimed the lives of at least 59 people and injured 155 others.
The tragedy occurred early Sunday during a concert at Club Pulse, where authorities believe on-stage fireworks ignited the venue's flammable ceiling, causing a rapid spread of flames and thick smoke.
In a written statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the fire and conveyed solidarity with the people of North Macedonia.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life due to a fire during a concert in Kocani, North Macedonia today (16 March)," the statement read.
"We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of North Macedonia, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," statement adds.
The fire broke out around 3:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) while more than 1,000 concertgoers were inside the nightclub, attending a performance by the popular hip-hop duo DNK.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the crowd attempted to flee.
"Initially, we didn't believe there was a fire. Then there was huge panic in the crowd and a stampede to get out," a survivor told local media from outside a hospital in Skopje.
Fire crews and paramedics rushed to the scene but were unable to save many of those trapped inside.
North Macedonia’s Interior Minister Pance Toskovski stated that the fire was likely caused by pyrotechnic devices used for stage effects.
"Sparks caught the ceiling, which was made of easily flammable material, after which the fire rapidly spread across the whole discotheque, creating thick smoke," Toskovski explained.
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals in connection with the incident, and a criminal investigation has been opened. Officials have not yet disclosed details about those targeted by the warrants.
Of the 59 victims, 35 have been identified, including 31 from Kocani and four from Štip. The head of Kocani hospital, Kristina Serafimovska, reported that most of the injured were between the ages of 14 and 25.
"Seventy of the patients have burns and carbon monoxide poisoning," Serafimovska said.
The critically injured are being treated in hospitals across North Macedonia, with plans to transfer some to medical facilities in other European countries.
One of the DNK performers, Vladimir Blazev, suffered burns to his face and is receiving breathing assistance, according to his sister.
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called the fire "a difficult and very sad day" for the country.
"The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the grief of their families, their loved ones, and their friends is immeasurable," he wrote on Facebook.
Pope Francis sent prayers to the victims and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the Vatican announced.
Leaders from neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania, offered condolences and assistance.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, also expressed condolences, stating that "the EU shares the grief and pain of the people of North Macedonia."
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