A football club have paid tribute to one of their players who tragically lost his life in the devastating nightclub fire which has rocked North Macedonia.
Officials have now confirmed that at least 59 people died and 155 were injured in the blaze, which broke out at around 2:30am on Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani. Around 1,500 people were inside the venue, attending a concert by hip-hop duo DNK when the fire broke out.
Reports have suggested that the deadly fire was started when pyrotechnic devices erupted and hit the ceiling, which was made of a flammable material. The owner of the club has been arrested, while a further four people are being sought by the Macedonian authorities.
Amid the tragedy, Macedonian First Football League club FC Shkupi have announced that 25-year-old player Andrej Lazarov lost his life.
The club wrote in an emotional statement: “With deep sorrow, we announce that our footballer Andrej Lazarov was among the victims of the tragic fire in Kocani. As the heroic person he was, Lazarov lost his life while trying to help others escape the flames.
“During his courageous act, he was overcome by smoke. His bravery and humanity in those final moments will always be remembered. This is an immense loss for our club, his teammates, and the football community. Words cannot express the pain we feel during this tragedy.”
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote on social media: “It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the terrible tragedy in Kocani. This is a very sad and very sad day for Macedonia.
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radiokocani.mk)
“The loss of so many young lives is unreplaceable, and the pain of families, the closest and friends, is immense. In these moments of deep sadness, our thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a quick recovery, and the families of the dead – the strength to withstand this unimaginable loss.
“The people and the government will do everything in their ability to at least mitigate their pain and help them in these difficult moments. I call on all competent institutions – health services, police, local authorities – to take urgent measures to help the injured and support the affected families.
“The government is fully mobilized and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the reasons for this tragedy.
“During the day, after seeing the circumstances of the competent institutions I will address the public with more information on the steps taken.
“In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken by pain because of this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, unity, humanity and responsibility. God be with the families of the victims and the wounded and the people of Macedonia!”
