Kochani, 16 March 2025 (MIA) - Head of the Kochani General Hospital, Kristina Serafimova, said Sunday the injured and victims that had been brought to the hospital were between 16 and 24 years old and came from Skopje, Shtip, Probishtip, and Kochani including nearby villages. A stampede triggered by panic after the fire broke out in the nightclub was the cause of death of most of the victims.

"The patients were between 16 and 24 years old. Most suffered burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. The initial triage was done here before they were taken to the Shtip hospital. We received significant help from nearby healthcare centers, as well as the Shtip Clinical Hospital, which sent an ambulance, and emergency services from Skopje. The transfer of patients was carried out as quickly as possible after the triage. Patients with minor first-degree burns remained in the Kochani hospital, while others were first sent to Shtip, and those with third and fourth-degree burns were later transferred to clinics in Skopje," said Serafimova. 

She noted that the first emergency call to 194 was received at 2:48 am, reporting a fire at a nightclub in Kochani’s industrial area. Within 15 to 30 minutes, all hospital specialists, as well as off-duty nurses, had been mobilized.

Serafimova pointed out that most injuries were caused by a stampede after the fire.

"Tragically, most of the injuries, especially among those who lost their lives, were a result of a stampede. The victims died as panic ensued, and people rushed to exit the nightclub, which had gathered around 1,500 people inside," Serafimova said. 

Currently, 12 patients remain hospitalized in Kochani, all in stable condition. The rest have been taken to the Shtip hospital and hospitals in Skopje.

Photo: MIA