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Key Points
- The death toll from a nightclub fire in North Macedonia has risen to 59, with more than 150 injured.
- The fire was probably caused by pyrotechnic devices “used for lighting effects at the concert”.
- More than 20 people are under investigation over the blaze.
“We have a reason to suspect graft and corruption were involved in this case,” he said, without providing details.
Club Pulse in the eastern town of Kocani was packed with mostly young fans attending a concert by popular hip-hop duo DNK when the fire erupted. Source: AP / Visar Kryeziu
Panicked rush to the exits
“Fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: ‘Get out, get out’,” Marija Taseva, 22, said.
About 148 people were hospitalised in Skopje, Kocani and surrounding towns, Health Minister Arben Taravari said, adding that 20 people were critically injured.
People light candles in honor of the victims who lost their lives in the fire in the ‘Club Pulse’ night club. Source: AP / Armin Durgut / AP
People searched for missing loved ones online and at hospitals across the country.
“At the moment, orders have been issued for collecting of evidence” and some people were being interviewed, Kocevski said, without elaborating.
After visiting the injured in a hospital in Skopje, North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, dressed in black and fighting tears, said authorities were ready to do everything to help all affected.
