UPDATE - Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire rises to 59

CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE, ADDS DETAILS

By Ahmet Gencturk and Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ATHENS (AA) - The death toll from a devastating fire that tore through a nightclub in North Macedonia’s eastern town of Kocani has risen to 59, with at least 155 others injured, local media reported Sunday.

The blaze erupted late Saturday night at the crowded venue, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the capital Skopje. Authorities said 22 of the injured remain in critical condition.

According to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior, initial reports indicated that 500 people were inside the nightclub at the time of the fire, although only 250 had tickets.

Interior Minister Pance Toshkovski said one person has been detained in connection with the incident.

"According to initial information, the fire occurred as a result of sparks from pyrotechnic devices," he said, adding that an investigation is underway.

The injured victims have been transferred to hospitals in multiple cities, primarily in Skopje, for treatment.

The Government of North Macedonia has declared a seven-day national mourning period, starting Monday.