Skopje, 18 March 2025 (MIA) - The Government in a statement on Tuesday appealed against spreading misinformation about the number of deaths in the fire in Kochani.

"This is a time of grief and solidarity, when we must all show responsibility and respect for the victims. Speculation and misinformation are being spread to the public regarding the number of deaths. The Government confirms with full responsibility that the death toll is at 59. All other claims of 100 or 120 deaths are incorrect and unfounded. Such false information only further upsets the public and causes additional pain to the families of the victims," said the Government. 

The Government points out that the official death toll is determined by medical and investigative services working on the ground.

"The Government insists on full transparency and the public will be regularly informed of all new details related to the investigation. We appeal to the media and citizens not to be taken in by unverified information and not to spread speculation. This is not a time for manipulation, but for togetherness, respect and responsibility," the Government said. 

The fire that broke out in a nightclub in Kochani has killed 59 people and left more than 150 injured. 

Photo: MIA archive