Bulgaria Observes National Mourning for North Macedonia Nightclub Fire Victims
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 18, the Bulgarian government declared a national day of mourning for the victims of a nightclub fire in North Macedonia that resulted in at least 59 deaths. The government expressed condolences, and flags will be flown at half-mast.
Key Takeaways
- The Bulgarian government declared a national mourning day.
- At least 59 people lost their lives in the fire.
- Flags on state buildings will be at half-mast.
- 14 injured individuals are being treated in Bulgaria.
- Emergency sessions are underway for further investigations.
Sofia, March 18 (NationPress) The Bulgarian government has proclaimed a national day of mourning on Tuesday for the victims of the tragic nightclub fire in North Macedonia that claimed the lives of at least 59 individuals.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the Bulgarian administration expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
All national flags at state institutions will be displayed at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Earlier on Monday, it was announced that 14 individuals injured in the blaze are currently receiving treatment in Bulgarian hospitals, with the country, which shares a border with North Macedonia, prepared to accommodate more victims.
The Bulgarian state has also arranged for transportation and lodging for the families of those injured.
As per the Bulgarian Ministry of Health, eight of the 14 North Macedonians are being treated in Sofia, three in Varna, and three in Plovdiv, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The patients, aged between 15 and 49 years, are in critical condition due to burns and smoke inhalation, according to ministry officials.
Authorities have detained 15 individuals following the fire that occurred at a nightclub in North Macedonia, resulting in at least 59 fatalities, according to officials.
The fire ignited around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT) on Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, which had around 500 attendees present for a performance by DNK, a well-known hip-hop duo.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski mentioned that the detained individuals will be interrogated, noting that there are “grounds for suspicion of bribery and corruption” related to the incident.
The venue, located about 100km (60 miles) east of the capital, Skopje, has been referred to as an “improvised nightclub” by local media, having formerly operated as a carpet warehouse.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described the day as “difficult and very sad” for the nation, mourning the loss of many “young lives”.
The government has proclaimed a seven-day period of national mourning and is conducting an emergency session to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the event.
North Macedonia’s President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, expressed her shock, stating, “as a mother, as a person, as a President”, addressing the grieving families directly: “Your immense pain is my pain too.”
