59 dead in pyrotechnics fire in North Macedonian nightclub
59 people have died in the European country of North Macedonia following a nightclub fire sparked by pyrotechnics yesterday, March 16.
Alongside those killed are 155 others, including 20 who are currently in critical condition after being hurt by burns, smoke inhalation, and stampede injuries as they tried to escape Club Pulse, where a concert had been taking place.
The fire started during the performance of local hip-hop duo DNK when pyrotechnics used on stage hit the venue’s ceiling, which was made of a highly flammable material.
Video footage of the incident shows flares were used facing in an upwards direction. They first hit a small section of the ceiling, but flames and smoke then spread too rapidly to be contained, despite someone trying to tackle the initial blaze with a fire extinguisher.
According to the BBC, one member of DNK is among those killed, while the other remains in hospital.
Speaking after the tragedy, North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Panche Toshkovski, said that a preliminary investigation had revealed the nightclub had been operating illegally, without an appropriate license and with an audience in the venue over double its capacity of 250 people.
Toshkovski added: “We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case,” with 15 people already having been detained for questioning regarding the venue’s operation and the events of the night itself.
As a result of the incident, the North Macedonian government has declared seven days of national mourning. In addition, an extensive inspection will take place of all nightclubs and cabaret bars in the country to ensure that safety standards are being met and upheld.
Stephen Doughty, the UK’s Minister of State for Overseas Territories, said: “Our hearts go out to all the victims, the injured, their families, and all those affected by this terrible incident.”
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