Soccer Player Andrej Lazarov Among Victims of North Macedonia Nightclub Fire
Professional soccer player Andrej Lazarov was among more than 50 people who lost their lives in the devastating fire at the Pulse club in Kočani, North Macedonia, on Sunday, March 16. He was 25 years old.
Lazarov’s team, FC Shkupi, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt message on the club’s official Facebook page.
The statement honored Lazarov’s bravery, revealing that he “lost his life trying to help others escape the fire-stricken space.” The club added, “He suffocated from smoke during his attempts to save lives, showing courage and humanity until the very last moment. His heroic act will forever remain in our memory as a testament to his noble character and big heart.”
The club described his death as a “huge loss” and one of the greatest tragedies in its history. “Words cannot express the pain we feel at this moment,” the post read.
Tragic Fire Claims Dozens of Lives
North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Panche Toshkovski, stated in a press conference that the fire began around 3:00 a.m. local time. At least 59 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 155 others sustained injuries.
Authorities believe the fire was ignited when pyrotechnics on stage during a performance by the band DNK struck the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. The Associated Press reported that the flames spread rapidly, leading to chaos as people attempted to escape.
Marija Taseva, one of the survivors, described the terrifying scene: “We even tried to get out through the bathroom, only to find bars on the windows. I somehow managed to escape. I fell down the stairs, and they ran over me, trampled me. … I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe.”
The fire also caused a partial collapse of the nightclub’s roof, further complicating rescue efforts.
Investigation and Arrests
In the aftermath of the tragedy, authorities have detained 15 people for questioning. Toshkovski revealed that the nightclub was operating without the proper license, raising concerns about corruption and bribery. “We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case,” he stated.
Authorities have since sealed off the site as investigations continue.
National Mourning and Support for Victims
An account on X (formerly Twitter) called The Informant reported that 27 of the injured were being treated at Skopje City Hospital, while 23 others received care at the city’s Clinical Center.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a “tragic day” for North Macedonia and urged support for the victims and their families. The government has declared a period of national mourning to honor those who lost their lives.
Lazarov’s bravery in the face of disaster has left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered not only as a talented athlete but also as a hero who put others before himself in his final moments.