Footballer, 25, dies saving lives in North Macedonia Nightclub fire

Professional soccer player Andrej Lazarov, 25, has been confirmed among the victims of a devastating nightclub fire in North Macedonia that claimed at least 59 lives and injured more than 155 people in the early hours of Sunday, March 16.

Lazarov, a player for FC Shkupi in the Macedonian First Football League, reportedly died from smoke inhalation while trying to rescue others during the blaze. In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook, the club announced the tragic news “with great pain and sorrow,” praising Lazarov’s selfless final act.

“He showed courage and humanity until the very last moment,” the club wrote. “His heroic act will always remain in our memories, as a testament to his noble character and his big heart. This is a huge loss for our club, our teammates, and the entire football community. Words are not enough to describe the pain we feel right now.”

Lazarov had joined FC Shkupi six months ago and had quickly become a valued member of the team.

The fire broke out at the Pulse nightclub in the eastern town of Kočani. According to North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Panche Toshkovski, the blaze was caused by sparks from pyrotechnics used during a concert by local pop group ADN.

The tragedy is one of the deadliest incidents the country has experienced in recent years.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski addressed the nation via Instagram, writing, “This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The government is fully mobilized and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy.”

Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, expressed her condolences on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, writing, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kočani, North Macedonia, which claimed the lives of too many young people. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the whole of North Macedonia.”

The North Macedonia Police have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation into the fire, which occurred during a packed event reportedly attended by more than 1,000 people.

The nightclub fire has shaken the nation, with mourning families and community members calling for accountability and safety reforms as authorities begin a full probe into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.