Fireworks Turn Deadly: Kokani Nightclub Fire Claims 51 Lives, Injures Many

Kokani (The Uttam Hindu): At least 51 people were killed and over 100 injured in a massive fire at a nightclub in the southern city of Kokani in North Macedonia late Saturday night. The country's Home Minister Panse Toshkovski gave this tragic information in a press conference on Sunday. Toshkovsky said the fire broke out at 2:35 a.m. local time during a pop group concert. He said based on preliminary investigations, the incident was caused by fireworks set off by young people present at the club. Since the incident, family members of the deceased and injured have been gathering outside hospitals and various offices in Kokani demanding more information from the authorities about their loved ones. The Home Minister also informed that the police have arrested a person in this connection, although he did not share detailed information about the involvement of the arrested person.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Arben Tarawari said that 118 people injured in the accident have been admitted to various hospitals. He said that neighboring countries have also offered to help in this tragedy. Tarawari told journalists that every possible effort is being made to save the lives of the youth affected in this unfortunate incident. The incident is one of the worst tragedies to have struck the country in recent times. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences on the social media platform X, writing, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is an irreparable loss, and the pain of families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable. The government and the people together will do everything possible to alleviate their suffering and help them through this difficult time.