“This company does not have a legal licence for work,” Toshkovski said, according to The Guardian. He also hinted at possible corruption, saying, “This licence, as many other things in Macedonia in the past, is connected with bribery.”

The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Pulse nightclub, where hundreds had gathered for a hip-hop concert. Many of the victims were teenagers and young adults. More than 155 people were injured, some critically, with doctors reporting cases of severe burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.

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An aerial photograph shows the site of a nightclub in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia. (Photo: AP)Marija Taseva, 22, described the chaotic scene. “When the fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: ‘Get out, get out,’” she told Reuters. In the rush to escape, she fell and was trampled, injuring her face. Tragically, she lost contact with her sister in the panic. “My sister died,” she said, breaking into tears.

Authorities believe the fire started around 2.35 am local time, possibly caused by stage pyrotechnics igniting flammable materials on the ceiling. “The sparks caught the ceiling, which was made of easily flammable material, after which the fire rapidly spread across the whole discotheque, creating thick smoke,” Toshkovski said.

The nightclub, which had previously been a carpet warehouse, had only one exit and lacked fire safety equipment, according to local media. Witnesses said around 1,500 people were inside—far more than its capacity.

Also read | Deadly nightclub fire in North Macedonia kills at least 59

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called the loss of young lives “irreparable” and promised a full investigation. “All competent forces will do whatever is necessary to address the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy,” he said.

President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited families of the victims in hospital. “We must give these young people courage to continue,” she said, dressed in black and visibly emotional.

People wait in lines to light candles in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia. (AP)Neighbouring countries, including Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Albania, have offered assistance. The Vatican said Pope Francis sent prayers for the victims and their families. Senior EU officials also expressed their condolences.

Authorities have promised stricter inspections of nightclubs to prevent future tragedies. “The most important thing is to find out all the facts and ensure something like this doesn’t happen again,” Toshkovski said.

On Sunday night, people in Kočani gathered to light candles in memory of the victims, mourning a loss that has shaken the small Balkan nation.

(With inputs from agencies)