All victims of the disco fire in Kočani met violent deaths due to suffocation caused directly by the flames, confirmed Aleksandar Stankov, the director of Forensic Medicine, on March 21 while sharing preliminary autopsy results.

During a press conference, he explained that forensic and pathology experts, along with teams from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), carried out autopsies on all 59 young individuals who lost their lives in the tragedy.

“While some victims sustained first and second-degree burns, three suffered fourth-degree burns. Additionally, four victims had broken ribs from pressure during the escape (stampede), and there were no injuries linked to collapsed beams,” Stankov stated.

Two identification methods were employed: DNA analysis and fingerprinting. However, fingerprints could not be obtained for four victims, necessitating DNA analysis alone.

“Toxicological analyses are currently in progress to analyze the deceased’s blood content. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that most victims had carbon monoxide present,” Stankov reported.

He anticipates that all autopsy reports will be finalized by the end of the month, although toxicology results may take longer.

“Pathohistological analyses will also be conducted. All findings will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office by the Institute of Forensic Medicine for further evaluation,” he added.

Autopsies commenced on the evening of March 16 and concluded by the morning of March 18. As of March 18, identification was 99 percent complete and finalized by the morning of March 19.

Initially, identification was conducted at hospitals where the victims were located, using recognition and personal documents, followed by DNA and fingerprint analyses with multiple verifications to ensure accuracy.

“Among the 59 individuals autopsied, 70 percent were aged between 16 and 29. The deceased comprised 16 women and 43 men. While I won’t delve into specifics until all analyses are finalized, there were rib fractures and evidence of pressure leading to suffocation,” Stankov shared during the press conference.

He elaborated on suffocation causes, noting that carbon monoxide exposure results in symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, disorientation, and muscle paralysis. Victims are often found close to exit points they were trying to reach.

“This gas is extremely hazardous; it is odorless and tasteless, affecting the central nervous system. It incapacitates victims, leading to death within minutes, depending on concentration levels. In a disco where a fire erupted, the smoke and environment would accelerate this process,” emphasized the Forensic Medicine director.

He pointed out that this deadly gas is commonly generated in such incidents due to incomplete combustion.

“Furthermore, the possibility of environmental suffocation should be considered, as a fire consumes oxygen. In addition to carbon monoxide, the risk of hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide formation is also present during large fires,” Stankov noted.

Responding to journalists’ inquiries, he affirmed the necessity of autopsies to establish the facts of the case.

“Autopsies serve as a collection of evidence; they ascertain the cause of death, identify any additional injuries, and confirm if the cause relates to the incident. Positive identification and a complete autopsy are essential for legal proceedings,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office – Kočani has initiated an investigation against 27 individuals and three legal entities suspected of complicity in the serious offenses leading to the fire at the ‘Puls’ disco.

A series of neglects and illegal actions enabled the use of pyrotechnics during a performance by the band DNA, resulting in the fire that claimed 59 lives, including six children, while injuring 197 others, 25 of whom were children.

State Prosecutor Ljupčo Kocevski outlined on March 21 the illegal activities associated with the fire, which have roots extending back over a decade. One member of the performing band DNA is also suspected of bringing pyrotechnics into the ‘Puls’ disco.

All suspects associated with the investigation are under police monitoring. The Kočani Prosecutor’s Office seeks detention for all suspects, except three who are hospitalized. Up to now, 16 detentions have been ordered, with further interrogations ongoing for the remaining suspects.

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