Fire began with pyrotechnic artifacts that reached flammable materials; other people were injured, many of them in serious condition due to severe burns and inhalation of toxic gases
A devastating fire in a nightclub in the city of Kocani, in resulted in dozens of dead and injured last Sunday (17). The incident, which shocked the country, took place during a pyrotechnic show held in a closed environment. To date, 59 people have lost their lives and 155 have been injured, many of them in serious condition due to severe burns and toxic gases inhalation. In response to the tragedy, 20 people were arrested, including the owner of the nightclub and even ministers, for granting irregular permits to the establishment.
The Northern Macedonia Government began a strict investigation, promising not to save efforts to blame everyone involved. The tragedy brought to light painful memories of the tragedy of In Brazil, in 2013, which killed more than 200 people. However, the dimension of the impact on northern Macedonia is even more significant, considering that the country has a population of less than 2 million. In response to the disaster, the prime minister decreed days of official mourning, reflecting the state of national commotion.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a pyrotechnic show performed by a band inside the nightclub. Authorities have already detained members of the band, the owner of the establishment and some municipal secretaries that allowed the nightclub to function. Everyone remains in police custody while investigations go on. The expectation is that, contrary to the Brazilian case, impunity does not prevail and that those responsible are properly punished.
*With information from Luca Bassani
*Report produced with the aid of AI
