A two-year-old child is in critical condition at Skopje’s “Mother Teresa” Clinical Center after being struck by a metal fragment of unknown origin, authorities said, marking one of the most serious incidents during New Year celebrations in North Macedonia’s capital.
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed that the child’s injury occurred on New Year’s Eve, but details about the circumstances remain under investigation. “The child is gravely injured, and it is still unclear how the metal fragment caused the wound,” Toshkovski told a press conference.
Separately, a Turkish citizen was killed in Skopje’s Old Bazaar area, reportedly stabbed with a sharp object. Another person sustained serious injuries in the same incident, which involved a larger group of individuals. Investigators said one suspect is at large.
The use of fireworks during celebrations sent at least 20 people to hospitals, including two children aged 12 and 13 who required surgery. Among other serious cases, a 69-year-old man suffered major hand and forearm injuries, and a man in Bunakovec was critically injured after falling from a height. Hospitals also treated several minor injuries related to fireworks.
Police reported 23 traffic accidents across the city, with two resulting in serious injuries. Approximately 50 people were arrested overnight, mostly for drug-related offenses or public disorder.
Authorities urged residents to exercise caution with fireworks and to follow safety regulations, citing the annual risk of injuries and incidents during New Year celebrations.