AT LEAST 51 people have reportedly died after a fire broke out in a nightclub in North Macedonia.
The deadly blaze in the town of Kocani was due to fireworks being set off inside the popular Pulse club, according to interior minister Panche Toshkovski.
XA fire has ripped through a nightclub in North Macedonia[/caption]
XThe deadly blaze was due to fireworks being set off inside the venue, according to Reuters[/caption]
XDozens of emergency officials rushed to the nightclub to try to extinguish the flames[/caption]
It is thought that at least 100 people have been wounded in the horrific inferno which first erupted at around 2:35am on Sunday.
Local hip-hop duo, ADN, were performing at the time with clubgoers letting off pyrotechnics that caused the roof to catch on fire, Toshkovski said at a press conference earlier today.
Footage posted on social media shows the building engulfed in flames as smoke billows into the sky.
Those trapped inside the burning building were said to have frantically ran for the exits as smoke filled the venue.
Around 1,500 people were partying in the concert hall at the time, according to local media.
Firefighters and officials rushed to the scene shortly after to battle against the flames.
A statement from the public prosecutor’s office said the exact number of victims and those injured is still being determined.
The injured are being treated at Kocani General Hospital as well as nearby facilities in Stip and the capital of Skopje.
Police are still investigating the fire with Toshkovski confirming one man has been arrested so far.
The country’s prime minister Hristijan Mickoski is set to travel to the scene today.
Mickoski posted on X this morning: “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia.
“The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable.
“The people and the government will do everything in their power to at least slightly alleviate their pain and help them in these most difficult moments.”
Family members of those injured and tragically killed have gathered in front of the hospital as they wait for updates.
LIDER FMThe flames could be seen across the small town of Kocani as smoke billowed up in the air[/caption]
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