The authorities in North Macedonia have launched an investigation into corruption after a nightclub burned down on Saturday night, resulting in at least 59 dead as a result. “We have reasons to suspect that in this case there is bribery and corruption,” said the North Macedonian Minister of the Interior Panche Toskovski according to AP’s news agency. Ten people involved in the organization of the performance that took place on Saturday night were still being held.
A provisional inspection of the disco in the city of Kocani showed that several violations had been committed. For example, the club turned out not to have a valid permit. There were also 500 people present in the club who officially had a capacity of 250 people. Moreover, there were not enough emergency exits, fire alarms and fire extinguishers present, and emergency services could not reach the building well enough. The government has announced a three -day inspection in all night clubs in the country.
Surrounding countries have promised to help around fifty patients with the most serious injuries, and some countries send medical teams to North Macedonia. The three burn centers in the Netherlands have also made preparations to record injured, although it is not yet clear whether they will actually be brought to the Netherlands for medical help.
In the country with only two million inhabitants, many people know someone who was present in the club. The government has announced seven days of mourning. The youngest victim was only 16 years old. “We are all in shock, and I am also shocked: as a mother, as a person as president,” said President Gordana Davkova Siljanovska.