Dutch burns centers offer to treat victims of North Macedonia nightclub fire; 59 killed
The burns centers in Groningen, Beverwijk, and Rotterdam are preparing to take in and treat victims of a fire in a nightclub in North Macedonia, spokespersons told Dutch media. The fire early on Sunday morning killed 59 people and injured another 155, 22 of whom are in critical condition.
It is not yet known whether any victims of the fire will actually come to the Netherlands for treatment, a spokesperson for the Dutch Burns Foundation told NOS. “The severity of the burns is being assessed and then the umbrella organization for burns, the European Burns Association, will determine whether people will also be treated for their injuries in the Netherlands.”
The burns centers are also discussing whether Dutch doctors and nurses should go to North Macedonina to help, Paul van Zuijlen, a plastic surgeon and the director of the burns center in Beverwijk, told RTL Nieuws. So far, little is known about the victims, but he expects serious injuries. “Also, because almost 60 people have died already. That says something. It must have had an enormous impact, also on the rest of the group.”
The fire started around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday in the nightclub Pulse in the city of Kocani. Fireworks were set off during a concert by the band ADN, a popular hip-hop duo in the country. The ceiling caught fire, and the flames spread very quickly.
According to Reuters, there were around 500 people in the club, while only 250 tickets had been sold. The Macedonian authorities are investigating possible corruption and have already arrested around 20 suspects, including government officials and the manager of the nightclub. According to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, the license for the event was illegally issued by the Economy Ministry.
Mickoski declared seven days of national mourning. Over 20 of the victims, including three who died, were children under the age of 18. Those responsible will face justice, the Prime Minister said, according to Reuters. “Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession.”
