Injured survivors of a nightclub fire in Macedonia have been evacuated to other countries in Europe.
Fire ripped through a packed nightclub early on Sunday in the North Macedonian town of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring more than 150, after sparks from fireworks ignited the roof as a hip-hop band called DNK performed.
Most of those killed were teens and young adults. Two members of DNK died in the blaze, news agency AFP reported.
Over the past 24 hours, some 51 people who were injured at the unlicensed nightclub were sent for treatment abroad, North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Timco Mucunski announced.
Several European countries had agreed to help treat the injured clubbers, with Serbia and Bulgaria receiving the most patients.
Medical teams from Serbia, the Czech Republic, and Israel are expected to arrive in the country to help.
Eight EU member states and Norway have responded to North Macedonia's appeal for assistance under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and agreed to the evacuation of 15 severely burned people, the European Commission said on Monday.
“There may be even more aid offers coming down the line,” EC spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said.
A further 20 injured people are due to be transported to hospitals in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Norway, and Hungary, the foreign minister noted.
“I extend my deep and sincere gratitude to all the countries that immediately responded to the appeals for help. Solidarity in extremely difficult times is a confirmation of the alliance and friendship that our country has with a large number of countries in the world,” said Mucunski.
Authorities declared seven days of national mourning over the tragedy.
There were reported to have been 500 people inside the club for an event that had sold 250 tickets, said Interior Minister Pance Toskovski.
Prosecutors in North Macedonia have filed for the temporary detention of 10 people suspected of responsibility for the fire, including government officials.
Most of those killed were teens and young adults. Two members of DNK died in the blaze, news agency AFP reported.
Over the past 24 hours, some 51 people who were injured at the unlicensed nightclub were sent for treatment abroad, North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Timco Mucunski announced.
Several European countries had agreed to help treat the injured clubbers, with Serbia and Bulgaria receiving the most patients.
Medical teams from Serbia, the Czech Republic, and Israel are expected to arrive in the country to help.
Eight EU member states and Norway have responded to North Macedonia's appeal for assistance under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and agreed to the evacuation of 15 severely burned people, the European Commission said on Monday.
“There may be even more aid offers coming down the line,” EC spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said.
A further 20 injured people are due to be transported to hospitals in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Norway, and Hungary, the foreign minister noted.
“I extend my deep and sincere gratitude to all the countries that immediately responded to the appeals for help. Solidarity in extremely difficult times is a confirmation of the alliance and friendship that our country has with a large number of countries in the world,” said Mucunski.
Authorities declared seven days of national mourning over the tragedy.
There were reported to have been 500 people inside the club for an event that had sold 250 tickets, said Interior Minister Pance Toskovski.
Prosecutors in North Macedonia have filed for the temporary detention of 10 people suspected of responsibility for the fire, including government officials.
Source: pap, press 24
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