At least 51 people lost their lives, and over 100 others were injured after a fire broke out in a nightclub early Sunday in the North Macedonian town of Kocani.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said the fire was caused by pyrotechnic devices used during a concert.
“Sparks caused fire … and fire spread through the discotheque,” he said.
A video from the event shows a band playing on stage, flanked by two flares firing white sparks into the air.
The sparks were said to have set the ceiling alight above the band, who appeared to step away as the video cuts.
TV footage from a local broadcaster showed firefighters dousing the charred and smoking entrance to the club, named Pulse.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said in a post on Facebook that it was a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia.
He added that the loss of so many young lives is irreparable, stressing that the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable.
“I call on all competent institutions – health services, relevant authorities – to take urgent measures to assist the injured and support the families of the victims,” he said.
