Skopje, 17 March 2025 (MIA) – Following the tragic accident in Kochani, a seven-day national mourning period has been declared starting today. The country’s flag will be flown at half-mast.

This decision was made during an emergency government session on Sunday, after the devastating fire in a nightclub in Kochani, which claimed 59 lives and left 155 injured.

“All individuals must respect the decision, as severe penalties will be imposed for any violations. In these days of mourning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will open a book of condolences within its offices in remembrance of the devastating tragedy,” the government press service stated.

The government extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic event.

“There are no words to lessen the pain of such irreplaceable loss. Medical teams across all healthcare facilities are fully mobilized, providing care and assistance for the swift recovery of the injured. In these profoundly difficult and sorrowful times for the entire Macedonian people, we appeal for restraint and ask that the case not be politicized, allowing institutions to conduct a timely and thorough investigation. The public will be fully informed, and no details will be withheld,” the government said.

All planned events in cultural institutions for this week have been cancelled, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a quick recovery to the injured. He also announced that all cultural institutions in Skopje will be open and available to provide support to the families and those in need.

The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services released a press release on Sunday advising media outlets to comply with the guidelines for the days of mourning.

The Agency calls on the media to continue reporting professionally, to respect the dignity of the victims, the injured, and their families, and to rely on verified sources and relevant interlocutors when providing information.

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Fifty-one people died with more than 100 injured in a fire that broke out in a nightclub in Kochani overnight, said Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski on Sunday.

According to preliminary information, the fire broke out as a result of sparks from stage pyrotechnics used at a concert held in the nightclub. The sparks went up to the ceiling, which lit up and led to fire and smoke quickly spreading throughout the nightclub.

"Police were informed at about 2.30 am that a fire broke out in the 'Puls' nightclub in Kochani, during a concert of the DNK band. The local fire-fighting brigade and medical services arrived at the site shortly after, evacuating people from the nightclub and treating for injuries," said Minister Toshkovski.

The MoI is undertaking all measures to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the fire and find those responsible.

On Sunday, condolences were expressed to the families of the victims by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, ministers, and others.

Condolences were also extended by the EU, the embassies of the United States and Russia, as well as other countries from the region, Europe, and around the world.

Photo: MIA archive