By Rejoice Henrietta Otoo Arthur
At least 51 people have died, and more than 100 have been injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia, according to the country’s interior ministry.
The fire broke out early Sunday morning at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town about 100 km (60 miles) east of the capital, Skopje. Videos shared on social media show the nightclub engulfed in flames, with thick smoke filling the night sky.
The fire reportedly started around 3:00 AM local time (2:00 AM GMT) while the hip-hop duo ADN was performing.
Around 1,500 people were at the concert when the fire spread rapidly, keeping the venue burning for hours.
Local media suggest that the fire may have been caused by pyrotechnic effects used during the performance. Footage shows sparks from the stage catching on the ceiling, which then led to the fast-moving blaze.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire as rescue efforts continue.
