North Macedonia’s State Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski said interrogations are underway following a nightclub fire that killed 51 people aged between 14 and 25, and injured 152 others, 18 of whom remain in critical condition. The blaze erupted during a concert by the band DNK at the “Puls” nightclub in Kočani around 3 a.m. local time on Sunday. The victims were from Skopje, Shtip, Kočani, and Probishtip.
Addressing reporters, Kocevski said three prosecutors are conducting on-site investigations, while two others are questioning those detained. He declined to provide specific details about the number of people in custody or their identities, stating that official findings would be shared once the preliminary investigation concludes.
“We’re issuing orders to gather evidence and conduct other procedural actions,” Kocevski said, adding that measures had been taken to prevent any suspects from fleeing the country.
When pressed about the number of concertgoers and the building’s capacity, as well as the presence of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and who authorized the nightclub’s operation, Kocevski said answers would come after the investigation is complete.
The “Puls” nightclub operated in a single-story house with barred windows and a small entrance, located on a densely packed residential street. According to initial reports, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said pyrotechnics used as part of a light show during the DNK concert likely sparked the blaze. Around 1,500 people were in attendance when the fire broke out, triggering a deadly stampede.
“Several people have already been detained in connection with the fire, and responsibility will be determined,” Toshkovski stated, promising accountability but withholding further details about the detentions.
Kocevski pledged a thorough investigation.
“We will mobilize all prosecutorial resources and engage forensic experts to determine responsibility for this tragedy. Vertical and horizontal accountability will be sought. There is no deadline for this investigation; it will continue until all facts are uncovered,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has published emergency contact numbers for families seeking information about hospitalized victims.
