Skopje, 9 April 2024 (MIA) - Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska said there were no victims in Tuesday’s fire at the Universal Hall in Skopje. The fire caused material damage and work will be done to determine the extent of the damage before the reconstruction continues, she said.

“I am sad that we are here for this reason. I am pretty disturbed by the scene behind us. This morning, around 9, we were informed that a fire broke out at the Universal Hall, and we immediately came here. From what we can see now, the fire has already been contained and extinguished. I urge swift action by all institutions. Representatives of the supervisors and the contractors tasked with the construction of Universall Hall are here with us and I urge a swift investigation into the reasons for the fire and ask that we refrain from spreading speculation,” Kostadinovska-Stojchevska said.

Before reconstruction continues, the Minister said they will have to determine the extent of the damage. She noted that the building is insured, which means the insurance company will repair the damage and then construction works can continue.

“Before any activities can continue, together with experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and all relevant institutions, we will determine the reason for the damage. I will reiterate, there are no victims and injured in the building,” the Minister said.

Asked about the extent of the damage, Kostadinovska-Stocjhevska said the investors and supervisors could respond more accurately.

“They can give you a more professional answer to these questions because anything I say can then be interpreted differently. I hope they can give you an answer over the damage inside, although I also would like to see the investigation and supervision conclude so we can state what actually happened and what the real reason for the fire is,” the Culture Minister said. 

Photo: MIA