Tragic Fire at Kočani Nightclub Claims 59 Lives; Drone Usage Banned in Affected Areas
A devastating fire at 'Puls' nightclub leads to significant casualties, prompting a ban on drone flights and a call for peaceful mourning.
A catastrophic fire at the 'Puls' nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, has resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals and left nearly 200 others injured.
Many of the injured are receiving treatment abroad due to the severity of their injuries.
Reports indicate that patients have been transported to medical facilities in neighboring countries, including Serbia.
As a response to the tragedy, authorities have strictly prohibited the use of drones over Kočani and surrounding areas, including the municipalities of Češinovo-Obleševo and locations such as Strumica and Probištip.
This ban aims to prevent unauthorized drone operations, which can endanger air traffic and the safety of citizens.
The fire broke out on the night between Saturday and Sunday, when the nightclub was reportedly filled with over 500 attendees.
Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden ignition of fireworks on stage that quickly escalated, causing panic as guests attempted to extinguish the flames.
The youngest victim of the fire was just 14 years old.
In the aftermath, the owner of the nightclub was arrested for allegedly holding a forged operating permit.
Additionally, at least 18 individuals, including public officials, have been detained in connection to the incident, some of whom were injured in the fire and are currently hospitalized.
Local citizens have gathered in mourning, lighting candles in memory of the victims and forming long lines to sign the book of condolences in the town square.
A poignant scene unfolded when a police officer, who lost his child in the fire, was assisted by colleagues who took his firearm to prevent a possible tragic response.
Public sentiment has turned somber, with protests occurring in Kočani where demonstrators expressed their grief.
These protests escalated into attacks on municipal buildings and establishments linked to the nightclub owner.
In response, local authorities have urged the public to maintain peace amid this national tragedy.
In solidarity with the victims, March 18 has been declared a day of mourning in Serbia, while citizens continue to express their sorrow collectively.
As investigations proceed, the community remains in shock at this unprecedented disaster.
Many of the injured are receiving treatment abroad due to the severity of their injuries.
Reports indicate that patients have been transported to medical facilities in neighboring countries, including Serbia.
As a response to the tragedy, authorities have strictly prohibited the use of drones over Kočani and surrounding areas, including the municipalities of Češinovo-Obleševo and locations such as Strumica and Probištip.
This ban aims to prevent unauthorized drone operations, which can endanger air traffic and the safety of citizens.
The fire broke out on the night between Saturday and Sunday, when the nightclub was reportedly filled with over 500 attendees.
Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden ignition of fireworks on stage that quickly escalated, causing panic as guests attempted to extinguish the flames.
The youngest victim of the fire was just 14 years old.
In the aftermath, the owner of the nightclub was arrested for allegedly holding a forged operating permit.
Additionally, at least 18 individuals, including public officials, have been detained in connection to the incident, some of whom were injured in the fire and are currently hospitalized.
Local citizens have gathered in mourning, lighting candles in memory of the victims and forming long lines to sign the book of condolences in the town square.
A poignant scene unfolded when a police officer, who lost his child in the fire, was assisted by colleagues who took his firearm to prevent a possible tragic response.
Public sentiment has turned somber, with protests occurring in Kočani where demonstrators expressed their grief.
These protests escalated into attacks on municipal buildings and establishments linked to the nightclub owner.
In response, local authorities have urged the public to maintain peace amid this national tragedy.
In solidarity with the victims, March 18 has been declared a day of mourning in Serbia, while citizens continue to express their sorrow collectively.
As investigations proceed, the community remains in shock at this unprecedented disaster.
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