According to recent reports from health authorities, fifty-nine individuals lost their lives in a tragic disco accident in Kočani, North Macedonia.

Panče Toškovski, the country’s Interior Minister, confirmed that 35 victims have been identified among the deceased, which includes a police officer assigned to drug control at the venue.

“Among those identified, 31 are from Kočani and four from Štip. There are 155 injured individuals currently being treated in various hospitals nationwide,” stated Toškovski..

The incident took place at the “Puls” discotheque during a performance by the band “DNK.”

Media sources have reported that three members of the band DNK are among the victims: vocalist Andrej Đorđieski, the band’s photographer Aleksandar Efremov, and backing vocalist Sara Projkovska. Reports indicate that Đorđieski sustained severe burns while attempting to assist guests as the fire erupted.

Following the incident, Aleksandar Karadakoski, owner of “MMMM Kafe DOOEL Kočani,” the entity that operated the “Puls” discotheque, has been detained as reported by Telma, citing “Sloboden Pečat.”

The company was established on May 29, 2020, and currently has a frozen bank account. As of the end of 2023, it reported a deficit of approximately 3,000 euros.

Today, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that the Kočani discotheque was operating under a fraudulent license issued by the previous government through bribery.

“My current information suggests that the venue involved in the tragedy held a forged license issued with a bribe in March 2024. The document was incorrectly signed by officials from the Ministry of Economy and bears the original seal,” Mickoski stated during a government press conference.

Toškovski previously mentioned in another press briefing that 22 individuals in critical condition are being transferred to facilities in Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece.

He also noted that more than 25 injured minors and three deceased minors have been identified, stating that “initial reports suggest there were around 500 individuals inside the disco, with approximately 250 tickets sold,” according to Beta.

Toškovski reiterated that the disco was operating unlawfully with a counterfeit license, as noted by “Sloboden Pečat.”

“I prefer not to disclose further details at this stage of the investigation, but it is clear that this license, like many issues in the past, is linked to corruption and bribery. Unlike before, there are specific names of individuals associated with the illegal license issuance who will face accountability,” Toškovski assured.

The Ministry of Interior, along with the prosecutor’s office, currently has over 20 suspects related to the case, 15 of whom are in police custody.

“Currently, around 15 suspects are at the police station. Some of those believed to be responsible for the incident have succumbed to their injuries, while others are hospitalized. We have four individuals currently secured in the hospital: two from the band DNK, the disco owner’s son, and the manager of the disco,” Toškovski conveyed to reporters in Štip as reported by Beta.

He revealed that “some of the individuals detained at the police station are directly accountable for the disco fire, as per the evidence gathered so far.”

“One individual responsible for organizing the event, who is suspected to be directly involved, has been taken into custody. We have also detained a former state secretary at the Ministry of Economy, an ex-head of a sector in the same ministry, the former director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, and three employees of that directorate,” Toškovski added.

Individuals detained in Kočani include event organizers and security personnel involved in the evening’s activities.

The North Macedonian Prime Minister indicated that immediate measures are underway to address the aftermath, promising thorough investigations into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.

“There must be legal accountability for everyone involved, irrespective of their rank or affiliation. I am committed to acting decisively. We will implement significant changes that may be unprecedented for the public, but transformation starts from within,” Mickoski emphasized.

He expressed deep gratitude to the healthcare workers and medical personnel in North Macedonia who worked tirelessly to aid the victims, as well as appreciation to neighboring countries offering assistance.

“Today, I feel shattered. There’s not a single person in Macedonia who isn’t devastated and mourning after today’s events,” Mickoski stated.

The company “MMMM Kafe DOOEL,” which holds the license for “Klub Puls,” reportedly has a frozen bank account, as detailed by “Business Network,” a tool that compiles information from the Central Registry, according to “Sloboden Pečat.”

Records indicate that the license issued by the Ministry of Economy was granted on March 13, 2023, and signed by State Secretary Razmena Čekić Durović.

It’s worth noting that the building housing the disco was formerly a carpet warehouse.

One of the deceased included Skopje footballer Andrej Lazarov (25).

The club confirmed Lazarov’s passing, noting that he died from smoke inhalation while trying to assist others in escaping. “He suffocated while demonstrating bravery and compassion until his last breath,” the Skopje statement mentioned.

Toškovski previously indicated that the police have spoken to approximately a dozen individuals hospitalized in Skopje, including a member of the band “DNK” who had performed at the disco.

He also confirmed that a central warrant had been issued for four suspects.

Toškovski stated that the fire erupted around 2:30 a.m. due to sparks from pyrotechnics used for lighting effects during a performance by the well-known band DNK.

During earlier questioning, the minister confirmed that the organizers had been apprehended, prompting inquiries about whether municipal officials responsible for granting permits would also face consequences.

Toškovski responded that the Ministry of Economy is compiling documentation related to the disco, and that the construction and technical documentation, as well as conditions for licensing and event management, will be scrutinized.

He expressed that all officials have a moral obligation to be accountable for such tragedies.

“Sloboden Pečat” has reported that the disco predominantly attracted a younger crowd.

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