The death toll from a nightclub fire in North Macedonia last month has risen. Local authorities announced a day earlier that a seriously injured burn victim had died while being treated in Lithuania, bringing the death toll from the blaze to 60.
"Unfortunately, this morning I received the bad news that a patient, who was among the four most critically injured, has passed away," said North Macedonia's Health Minister, Arben Taravari, a day earlier.
The patient had suffered burns covering nearly 40% of his body and died after developing an infection and experiencing kidney failure, according to Taravar.
The fire on March 16, which killed mostly young people at a nightclub in Kocani and left nearly 200 people injured, is suspected to have been started by fireworks.
The Pulse nightclub was later found by authorities to have multiple safety and licensing violations.
Thirty-four people are in custody over the fire, including a former finance minister and seven senior police officers. State Prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski said the suspects were being investigated for offences that carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities in North Macedonia closed dozens of nightclubs and entertainment venues last month after a fire.
Several protests have taken place across the country as well as in neighboring Greece, with demonstrators calling for justice for the deaths.
(A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
