Earlier Sunday, the fire killed 59 people in a packed nightclub in the northern Macedonian town of Kocani, and more than 100 people died after sparks lit the roof on the live band.
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said arrest warrants had been issued for four people. State news agency Mia said police have detained the club’s owner in the incident.
A video of the event verified by Reuters shows a band playing on stage, flanked by two bands that emit white sparks into the air, some of which lowered the ceiling.
The fire caused immediate panic, and friends and loved ones were separated when people fled to the exit.
Marija Taseva, a 22-year-old survivor, told local TV 5.
Taseva fell to the ground as she tried to escape, and people ran past her, causing her cheek to hurt. In a hurry, she lost contact with her still missing sister.
“We can’t find her in any hospital,” she said.
Minors among those injured
Health Minister Arben Taravari said 148 people were hospitalized in Kopani, Kokani and surrounding towns. Talawari said eighteen people were seriously injured.
MRT Public Broadcasting Corporation in northern Macedonia reported 27 people were hospitalized for severe burns in Skopje City Hospital, while another 23 were treated in clinical centers. It said there were minors among them.
Toshkovski said the fire began at 3 a.m. and was caused by “fireworks equipment” whose sparks triggered the fire.
Northern Macedonian prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski said five prosecutors will investigate the incident.
“At present, orders have been issued to collect evidence”, and some are being interviewed without elaboration.
Firefighters poured into the charred and smoking entrance of the Pulse Nightclub in an ambulance, according to local broadcaster television footage. Images from Reuters show that the club’s corrugated iron roof was burned and collapsed in some places, with its internal wooden bundles exposed and turned black.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said on Facebook: “It’s been a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! Losing so much of life is irreparable, and the pain of family, family and friends is immeasurable.”
North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova wore black and burst into tears after being injured in a hospital in Skopje.
“I simply can’t understand this…how disastrous, so tragic.”
