At least 59 dead as fire rips through North Macedonia nightclub

At least 59 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in a devastating fire that ripped through a nightclub in North Macedonia, the interior ministry has confirmed.

The blaze broke out around 03:00 (02:00 GMT) on Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town approximately 100 km east of the capital, Skopje.

Four arrest warrants have now been issued following the tragedy, with the death toll rising to at least 59.

Interior minister Panche Toshkovski told a news conference that the fire erupted while a local pop band was performing. The venue, which previously housed a carpet warehouse, caught fire after fireworks were set off inside.

Video footage shows the band playing when two flares go off either side of them, shooting towards the ceiling.

Health minister Arben Taravari confirmed 118 people were taken to hospital, with neighbouring countries offering medical assistance. "All our capabilities have been put to use, in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy," he told reporters.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it "a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia" in a statement, adding: "The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable."

Police and forensic investigators have cordoned off the scene as evidence is collected for state prosecutors.

International leaders including US Ambassador Angela Aggeler, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have offered condolences. Mr Zelenskyy wrote: "I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our North Macedonian friends on this sad day."