We have some more comments from interior minister Panche Toshkovski that are being carried by the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency.
Toskovski said the fire was probably caused by the use of pyrotechnic devices “used for light effect at the concert”.
“At the moment of activating the so-called sprinklers, the sparks caught the ceiling that was made of easily flammable material after which for a very short period of time the fire spread across the whole discotheque, creating a thick smoke” he was quoted as having told reporters.
Officials confirm at least 51 people were killed in nightclub fire
Interior minister Panche Toshkovski has confirmed that at least 51 people were killed and over 100 others were injured in the nightclub fire in North Macedonia.
“According to the data we have by now, 51 persons lost their lives, and more than 100 persons are injured and transported in the hospitals in Stip, Kocani and Skopje,” he said after visiting the scene in Kocani.
North Macedonia’s MRT public broadcaster reported earlier that 27 people were hospitalised at the Skopje city hospital with severe burns, while another 23 were being treated at the Clinical Centre. Among the injured were children, it said.
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Updated at 10.20 CET
Loss of so many young lives in the ‘tragedy’ of nightclub fire is ‘irreparable’ – prime minister
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickosk has expressed “deep sadness” about the “tragedy” of the nightclub fire. He said the loss of so many young lives is “irreparable” as he extended his condolences to the family and friends of those who were killed in the blaze.
Mickosk wished those injured a speedy recovery and said the government is “fully mobilised” to help determine the cause of the fire.
“I call on all competent institutions – health services, police, local authorities – to take urgent measures to assist the injured and support the affected families,” he said in a statement posted to Facebook.
“During the day, after reviewing the circumstances from the competent institutions, I will address the public with more information about the steps taken,” the prime minister added.
“In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken with pain due to this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, solidarity, humanity and responsibility.”
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Updated at 10.41 CET
