At least 50 people have died in a horrific fire at a disco in the town of Kochani, eastern North Macedonia.

The incident happened during a concert of the famous band DNA. Footage has emerged on social media of the large fire that claimed dozens of victims at the disco in Kochani in the early hours of the morning. The fire was most likely caused by the use of pyrotechnics. Other footage shows strong flames. Another video shows the burning roof structure in the disco. 

Some of the injured, about 30, are reportedly in the hospital in Kochani, while about 60 people have been sent by cars to the hospital in Stip.

Police, fire and prosecution teams are on the scene. Minister of the Interior Panče Toškovský is in Kočany and Prime Minister Christian Mickoski is on his way to the scene of the tragedy. The concert of a popular Macedonian band at the disco was attended by about 1,500 guests.

Bulgaria ready to help

Sofia has offered help to its south-west neighbour. Bulgarian statesmen and politicians expressed their condolences and sympathy with our brothers near Vardar. 

"Bulgaria has already offered its help in the form of medical treatment to the victims of the fire. I have arranged full readiness for admission to the clinical bases in the cities of Sofia and Varna. The Bulgarian Air Force is ready to transport those in need of treatment if necessary," Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said.

"In a telephone conversation with RSM Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, I expressed my sincerest condolences to the relatives of the victims of the fire in a disco in the town of Kochani.

In the most difficult moments, we remain together and that is why I offered my colleague the help and assistance that Bulgaria can provide," said the leader of the largest political party in the ruling GERB coalition Boiko Borisov.

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev has spoken with his counterpart Timcho Mutsunski. Minister Georgiev expressed his deep sympathy with North Macedonia.

During the conversation he offered the sincere condolences of the Bulgarian Government and people to the families and relatives of the victims.The Bulgarian Foreign Minister expressed hope for a speedy recovery of the injured and stressed the readiness of the Republic of Bulgaria to provide assistance and help for the treatment of the wounded on the territory of Bulgaria. | BGNES