The North Macedonian government has announced a provision of 150,000 denars (approximately 2,500 euros) to the families affected by the tragic fire in Kočani, aimed at assisting with emergency expenses.

This information was conveyed to the media today by Ivica Tomovski, the Director of the Government’s General and Joint Affairs Service (SOZR), who noted that the funds will be distributed via the Red Cross.

“To date, we have provided care and accommodation to 188 individuals. We recognize that this tragedy brings unforeseen financial burdens; hence, we have resolved to provide each victim with 150,000 denars as immediate financial support for daily and initial expenses,” Tomovski explained.

He added that the SOZR and relevant institutions are coordinating all necessary logistics for the accommodation and transportation of victims and their families, with particular focus on those requiring treatment abroad.

Tomovski reiterated that the government covers the expenses for two family members accompanying patients receiving treatment overseas.

He mentioned that the country bearing the responsibility for the medical treatment is also responsible for the related costs, while the Government of North Macedonia takes care of travel, accommodation, and other expenses incurred by family members.

North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski announced today that 14 individuals injured in the Kočani disco fire are currently being treated across 116 European countries.

The most significant number of patients is in Serbia with 31, followed by Bulgaria with 15, Turkey and Greece with 12 each, seven in Spain, six each in Austria and Hungary, five in Croatia, and four each in Belgium, Lithuania, Italy, Slovenia, and Sweden, along with two individuals in Poland.

The fire occurred at the “Puls” discotheque in Kočani, situated about 100 kilometers east of Skopje, resulting in 59 fatalities and injuring 197 people.

The blaze ignited on Sunday, March 16, at 02:30 due to the inappropriate use of pyrotechnics during a concert by the group DNK. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, there were at least 31 attendees that night, including numerous children, at the disco, which has been operating without a license in unsatisfactory conditions for years.

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