JAKARTA - The total death toll from a crowded and unauthorized nightclub fire in the city of Kocani, North Macedonia, reached 59 people. More than 150 people were injured.
The fire started with sparks that ignited the roof during the musician's performance on stage.
Hundreds of people are running around looking for the only exit of the small place as fires spread across the ceiling, leaving many trapped in the country's deadliest incidents in recent years.
"The fire broke out, everyone started screaming 'outer, out'," Marija Taseva, 22, told Reuters on Monday, March 17.
As he tried to escape, Taseva fell to the ground and people stepped on him, wounding his face. During the busy schedule, he lost contact with his sister, who didn't make it out.
"My sister died," said Taseva, crying.
Authorities arrested about 20 people in connection with the fire, including government officials and nightclub managers "Pulse".
North Macedonia's Interior Minister Pance Toskovski told a news conference that the nightclub did not have a valid permit.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the permit was illegally issued by the ministry of economy and promised those responsible would be brought to justice.
"Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession," said Mickoski.
He announced seven days of national mourning.
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