(CNN) – Northern Macedonian officials are investigating a fire that killed 59 people and injured more than 150 people at a nightclub.
Authorities said at the “Palse” nightclub in the town of Kochani, east of the capital Skopje, when the flames ripped through the venue around 3am on Sunday.
The tragic video appears to show sparks flying from stage props, illuminating the roof as local band DNK performs to the crowd.
Marijataseva, 22, a concert lover, told Reuters that everyone was screaming “Go out, go out.” She says she fell to the ground and people stomped her and hurt her face.
Her sister didn’t make it. “My sister has passed away,” Taseba said.
According to the state media outlet MIA, Dr. Kristina Serafimova said that the victims range from 16 to 24 years old. She added that most of the deceased were trampled under the crowd.
Several members of DNK are reportedly among the murdered members, including Andrej Gjorgieski, one of its lead singers.
Interior Minister Pante Tosskowsky said the flames were caused by fireworks used for lighting effects.
“Perhaps Sparks caught a portion of the ceiling made of flammable material and in a short time spread the fire across the discotheque, creating thick smoke,” he said.
At least 152 people injured in the tragedy have been taken to hospitals across the country, Mia reported, citing the country’s Ministry of Health. According to the MIA, Vlatko Zaharievi, the city of Supap hospital director, said dozens of victims have been treated for two-degree burns on the hands and face.
According to the MIA, 27 of the most seriously injured victims said they would be treated overseas.
Football player Andrezh Lazarov has been confirmed to be among the deceased, his club FC Shukpi announced in an Instagram post on Sunday. Lazarov was 25 years old.
Arrest
By the end of Sunday, around 20 suspects had been arrested, including members of the band, the son of the club’s owner and government officials, Toskovsky told a news conference. Previous MIA reported that nightclub owners were among those arrested.
Prime Minister Fristijan Mikoski said nightclub licenses were illegally issued by the Ministry of Economy, according to Reuters. He said the person in charge would face justice.
“No matter who they are, from which institution, from which level, from which party and occupation, from which party and occupation,” Mikoski said.
Leaders across Europe have taken them to social media to express their sadness, including President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Council of Europe Antonio Costa.
Angela Agle, US ambassador for North Macedonia, also posted on X about the incident, writing that her “heart breaks” for the victims of the tragedy, providing support and resources for the US embassy.
Pope Francis also expressed his “deep” sadness to the victims’ families.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israeli medical professionals will head to North Macedonia “the next day” to provide medical assistance.
This disaster is one of the most deadly nightclub fires in at least a decade. In 2015, a crowded nightclub in Bucharest, Romania, was engulfed in flames after 64 people were killed after fireworks were launched during a concert.
More than 240 people died two years ago after a fire broke out at a nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil. Fireworks were also in use inside the club when the fire began.
