SOFIA – Bulgaria will observe a day of national mourning on Tuesday, March 18, in memory of the victims of the devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 59 people and left over 150 others injured. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the decision, underlining the country’s solidarity with its neighboring nation during this moment of grief.
Zhelyazkov extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assured that Bulgaria stands ready to provide further assistance.
“We are in constant contact with our colleagues in North Macedonia, and we are prepared to accommodate more injured individuals should the need arise,” he said.
Fourteen victims have already been transported to hospitals in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna for medical treatment.
The Bulgarian government has taken steps to facilitate the travel of the victims’ relatives to Bulgaria, ensuring they can be close to their loved ones.
Zhelyazkov emphasized that the decision to observe a national day of mourning was made purely out of compassion and solidarity, without any political considerations. “This is a time for unity, support, and shared grief,” he stated.
The fire broke out during a concert at the nightclub over the weekend, with preliminary reports suggesting that pyrotechnics may have been the cause.
Emergency services in North Macedonia have been working tirelessly to assess the full extent of the damage and provide care to the wounded.
While most victims are being treated in North Macedonia, medical facilities in Bulgaria and other Balkan countries have also taken in patients.
Officials in both Bulgaria and North Macedonia have vowed to support the affected families and ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.
Zhelyazkov expressed hope for the swift recovery of the injured and reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to helping its neighbors through this tragedy.
The day of mourning will see Bulgarian flags flown at half-mast across the country, and public events may be postponed as a mark of respect for the victims.
Citizens have also been encouraged to join in expressing their sympathy and support for those affected by the disaster.
As the two nations grapple with the aftermath of this horrific event, Bulgarian officials have reiterated their readiness to offer medical, logistical, and humanitarian aid.
“This tragedy has deeply affected both our nations,” Zhelyazkov noted. “In times like these, we must come together and support one another.”
The nightclub fire in Kocani has been described as one of the deadliest incidents in recent history in the region.
Authorities in North Macedonia continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze, with an emphasis on determining responsibility and ensuring stricter safety measures in entertainment venues moving forward.
As Bulgaria and North Macedonia mourn the loss of so many lives, the expressions of unity and shared grief serve as a testament to the strong ties between the two nations in times of hardship.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members