Skopje, 14 October 2025 (MIA) – Vladimir Blazhev – Pancho, member of the hip-hop band DNK, who was seriously injured in the Kochani nightclub fire on March 16, has passed away.

According to reports from several media outlets, Pancho died at 10 am this morning after long treatment at Sistina hospital.

The hospital extended its condolences to his family, close friends, and the Macedonian public.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Pancho’s family, his closest ones, and to the whole Macedonian public, as this is a great loss for all of us. Respecting the privacy of every patient and in line with the Law on Patients’ Rights, we do not disclose information about patients,” Sistina hospital told MIA.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Pancho’s death and announced that it will issue an autopsy order for the person whose case had been temporarily suspended owing to health reasons.

Media outlets report that Pancho had been in a coma for a period of time, while a team of psychologists and psychiatrists had been engaged to support his mental condition. He sustained serious burns on his face and hands.

In the fire that broke out at the unlicensed nightclub “Pulse” in Kochani on March 16, 62 people lost their lives and 200 were injured. Among the victims were eight members of the DNK band: vocalist Andreja Gjorgjieski, musician Filip Stevkovski, guitarist Andrej Kolarov, drummer Gjorgji Gjorgjiev, backing vocalist Sara Projkovska, sound technician Igor Velkov, beatboxer Martin Atanasovski – Buco, and the group’s photographer Aleksandar Efremov.

Photo: MIA archive