At least 51 people killed in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

At least 51 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a devastating fire broke out at a packed nightclub in Kocani in North Macedonia, according to Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.

The blaze erupted around 03:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on Saturday during a concert by the band DNA when pyrotechnics were set off inside the venue in Kocani, located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) east of the capital, Skopje.

Social media videos show the building completely engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky.

Witnesses say the flames erupted suddenly, rapidly spreading to the ceiling and roof before consuming the building.

The interior ministry stated that emergency services, including a public prosecutor from Kocani’s Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office, are at the scene.

“The number of victims and injured is still being determined. All resources and capacities of the prosecution offices will be mobilised to support the Kocani prosecution in its urgent response,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.