Hungary has extended its support to North Macedonia in the aftermath of a catastrophic nightclub fire in the town of Kocani. The fire, which broke out in the Pulse club during a concert attended by approximately 1,500 people, has claimed the lives of at least 59 individuals and left over 150 injured, many in critical condition.
Pál Győrfi, head of communications for Hungary’s National Ambulance Service, confirmed that Hungary is prepared to receive and care for injured victims. In a statement to MTI, Győrfi explained that ambulance units would be stationed at the airport to transport the wounded to hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó also communicated with his North Macedonian counterpart, offering medical assistance and air transport for 19 injured victims. Hungary joins several other nations in providing aid as North Macedonia grapples with the tragedy.
Authorities suspect that the fire was triggered by pyrotechnic devices used during the concert. Sparks from the devices reportedly ignited flammable material on the ceiling, causing the flames to spread rapidly.
Footage circulating online shows torches bursting into flames before the inferno engulfed the venue. Witnesses claim that many attendees initially failed to recognize the severity of the situation, delaying evacuation efforts.
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, called the incident a “difficult and very sad day,” acknowledging that many of the victims were young people between the ages of 14 and 24. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova expressed her shock and grief, stating, “Your immense pain is mine too.”
Investigations have revealed serious safety violations at the nightclub. Biljana Arsovska, spokesperson for the public prosecutor’s office, reported that the venue had only one functional exit, as the back door was locked and inaccessible. Initial inspections have also uncovered “deficiencies” in the fire suppression system and emergency lighting.
In response to the disaster, authorities have detained 15 individuals, including the nightclub owner. Arrest warrants have been issued for four additional suspects.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski suggested there were “grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption”, promising a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
“No business or activity can function without standards and rules. Let us not allow anyone to endanger the lives of innocent people again,” added President Siljanovska-Davkova.
