Skopje, 17 March 2025 (MIA) — The prosecutorial team conducting the investigation into the causes of the Kochani nightclub fire has been expanded. It now consists of two public prosecutors from the Kochani Public Prosecutor’s Office, two public prosecutors from the Shtip PPO, and five public prosecutors from the Skopje PPO.

According to the Skopje PPO earlier Monday, a search of Ministry of Economy computers and servers has been ordered as well as a graphological analysis of signatures on documents. The on-site investigation continues Monday.

The PPO also said hearings were under way, with over 20 people questioned so far. Prosecutors have sought detention for eight of them. Another three suspects are hospitalized and in severe condition.

The fire that tore through a Kochani nightclub Sunday around 2:30 am killed 59 and injured 155 people.

Over 140 people with burns and inhalation injuries have been taken to hospitals in the country and abroad.

Prosecutors so far have learned from the investigation that the nightclub did not have a hydrant network and sufficient fire extinguishers; pyrotechnics were used illegally; no agreement had been signed between the concert organizer and the band that was performing; and the nightclub did not have an operating license.

According to chief prosecutor Ljubomir Kocevski speaking to the press Sunday, the nightclub allegedly had a 15-year-old license from the Ministry of Economy to operate as a hospitality facility despite it having been registered as a light industrial building. He also noted the building had been illegally covered with highly flammable soundproofing materials.