site.btaInvestigation into Kocani Nightclub Fire Concludes; 46 Suspects Identified

A total of 46 individuals have been identified as suspects for “serious crimes against public safety” in the investigation into the nightclub in the town of Kocani, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of North Macedonia said Friday. The investigation involved 13 prosecutors from the main prosecution offices in Kocani, Skopje, Stip, and Kumanovo.

Under prosecutors directions, police and investigators collected physical evidence and documentation from the scene of the tragic incident and several other locations, which were then subjected to expert analysis. Detailed reports were provided regarding the causes of death of each victim of the fire, as well as the nature and type of injuries sustained by those who were injured. Reports were also prepared examining the circumstances inside the venue, safety standards, and how the fire originated and spread. In regard to the operation and functioning of the club, inspections were also carried out by the Financial Police Department under the direction of the prosecutor, the statement adds.

The prosecution clarified that evidence gathered during the investigation related to the actions of police officers will be submitted to the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prosecuting Organised Crime and Corruption, where the specialized department is currently conducting an investigation against 14 police officers. This part of the investigation will continue to examine all facts and circumstances.

The legal deadlines are now underway, during which the defence may review the evidence and propose its own.

The fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani broke out in the early hours of March 17 this year during a concert by the group "DNK." As a result of the fire, 62 people died and some 200 were injured.