SKOPJE, North Macedonia — In a tragic update regarding the nightclub fire in North Macedonia last month, the health minister announced that another victim has succumbed to their injuries in Lithuania, where they were receiving medical treatment. This unfortunate development raises the death toll from the event to 60.
Health Minister Arben Taravari conveyed the somber news on Friday, stating, “Regrettably, I was informed this morning of the passing of one of the most critically injured patients.” The patient suffered burns covering nearly 40% of his body, and his condition deteriorated due to an infection and subsequent kidney failure.
The devastating fire occurred on March 16 in the town of Kocani during a live concert. A pyrotechnics display apparently caused the blaze in the indoor venue, claiming the lives of mostly young partygoers and leaving many others injured. With the help of the European Union, the most seriously injured were transported to hospitals across Europe.
Authorities are currently investigating potential fire safety breaches and are looking into allegations of illegally obtained permits for the venue’s operation. As a result, 34 individuals, including a former finance minister and seven senior police officers, remain in custody. These individuals are under scrutiny for charges that could lead to prison sentences of up to 20 years if convicted, according to State Prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski.
Officials reported that on the night of the fire, there were 650 people inside the nightclub, including 31 minors. Of those injured, 25 were under the age of 18, highlighting the catastrophic impact on young people during the incident.