A tragic fire erupted early Sunday at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, claiming the lives of 51 people and leaving more than 100 injured. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed the devastating toll, attributing the fire to pyrotechnic devices used during a live concert.

According to officials, the sparks from the pyrotechnics ignited the club’s ceiling, causing the flames to spread rapidly throughout the venue. A video from the event captures the moment when two flares on stage shoot white sparks into the air, setting the ceiling ablaze. As the fire takes hold, the performers can be seen stepping back before the footage abruptly cuts off.

Firefighters arrived swiftly at the scene and worked to extinguish the blaze. Television footage later showed emergency crews dousing the charred and smoke-filled entrance of the nightclub. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and questions are being raised about the safety measures in place at the venue.

This tragic event has left the nation in mourning, as families and friends of the victims grapple with their loss. Officials have vowed to hold those responsible accountable while also reviewing regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.