Death toll rises to 62 in deadly North Macedonia nightclub fire

The death toll from the tragic nightclub fire in North Macedonia, which occurred in March, has risen to 62 following the death of a critically ill patient in hospital.

The latest victim, born in 2001, passed away on April 17 morning in a hospital in Belgrade, Serbia, as confirmed by Deputy Health Minister Jovica Andovski in a statement to journalists in Skopje, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The blaze, one of Europe’s deadliest nightclub fires in recent years, broke out on March 16 during a hip-hop concert at a club in the eastern town of Kocani. Initially, the death toll was reported as 59, with nearly 200 others injured. However, two additional victims later succumbed to their injuries in a hospital in Lithuania, bringing the total number of fatalities to 62.

Investigators believe that the fire began after stage fireworks were ignited inside the building during the concert, which sparked a stampede as people rushed to the exits. Many of the injured are receiving medical treatment in neighbouring countries and throughout Europe.

While authorities have confirmed that two additional patients remain in critical condition, they are currently stable. North Macedonian authorities have expanded their investigation into the incident, including former government ministers and officials who were in office at the time. Prosecutors have now placed approximately 60 individuals under formal investigation, including many suspected of violating safety regulations at the venue. Several police officers are also under investigation in connection with the fire.

The authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident, and further legal proceedings are expected as the investigation progresses.

By Vafa Guliyeva