North Macedonia will bury today the bodies of those killed in the tragic fire in the eastern town of Kocani last weekend.
At least 59 people died and 155 others were injured as a result of a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, in the early hours of March 16.
The bodies of the dead will be buried in various parts of the country, including Kocani, Shtip, Skopje, Strumica and the village of Obleshevo.
The government of North Macedonia ordered state institutions and advised local governments and private sector employers to release all employees in the Kocani territory from work duties on the day of the funeral.
The head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric (KMK-OA), Archbishop Stefan, has called for unity and prayer following the terrible tragedy in Kocani.
The Macedonian government has declared seven days of mourning for this tragedy, where most of the victims were young.
Authorities have promised a swift and thorough investigation, and have arrested 23 suspects so far, 11 of whom are in custody.
Authorities discovered that the club was operating illegally, did not have valid work documents, did not have a permit to use pyrotechnics, and had not signed a contract with the band.
About 500 people were in the nightclub when the fire broke out while the band ADN was performing.
Meanwhile, all those injured in the Kocani fire are being treated locally and in specialized medical centers abroad.
The Ministry of Health of North Macedonia announced on Wednesday that 64 patients are being treated in public health institutions in the country, and are in relatively stable condition, while 13 others are being treated in private health facilities and 101 patients are being treated abroad./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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