51 dead, dozens injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

The blaze began around 2:35 am during a concert by a local pop group. Reports say the young clubgoers used pyrotechnics that caused the roof to catch fire

Skopje: A massive fire that broke out early Sunday in a nightclub in North Macedonia’s southern town of Kocani has killed 51 people and injured about 100 more, interior minister Panche Toshkovski told a press conference.

The blaze began around 2:35 am during a concert by a local pop group, according to Toshkovski. He said the young clubgoers used pyrotechnics that caused the roof to catch fire. Video on social media shows chaos inside.

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❗️At least 50 people died in a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reports. pic.twitter.com/pVkGSWCjaA

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) March 16, 2025

Family members have gathered in front of hospitals and Kocani’s city offices begging authorities for more information. Toshkovski said police have arrested one man, but didn’t provide details on the person’s involvement.