Skopje, 25 March 2025 (MIA) - Nineteen-year-old Jovan Kostadinov, who saved 21 people in the Kochani nightclub fire, was met with a warm round of applause at the 'Vancho Prkje' high school in Vinica. 

Health Minister Arben Taravari also shared the news in a Facebook post. 

"With deep emotion and boundless pride, I share with you today the news that Jovan Kostadinov, the heroic young man who saved 21 lives in the Kochani fire tragedy, has finally returned home. There are moments when words are not enough, and this is one such moment. How can one describe a soul so brave and selfless, who in moments of panic and danger did not think of himself, but only of others?," Taravari posted on Facebook. 

The Minister adds that even though Kostadinov is only 19 years old, he had acted like a true hero and went in and out of the nightclub over 20 times to help those trapped in the blaze. 

"He risked his own life to save others. His body bears the scars of his heroism, but his heart carries something far greater: the respect, admiration, and love of an entire nation. Jovan is not just a hero of Kochani. He is a hero of our entire country. A symbol of what it means to put humanity above fear. A reminder to all of us of how much one man with a big heart can do. Welcome home, Jovan. Your story will live on forever, in the lives you saved, in the families that are reunited, and in the hearts of every citizen who now knows your name. On behalf of all citizens, I will say one thing, loud and clear: We will never forget," said Taravari. 

The young man was greeted with a round of applause at the 'Vancho Prkje' high school in Vinica on Tuesday, and his homecoming video was shared on Facebook.

Photo: Kostadinov Jovan Facebook