Four victims of North Macedonia nightclub fire to be treated in Belgium

Four victims from a deadly nightclub fire in North Macedonia will be treated in specialised hospitals in Belgium.

The fire took place on Sunday in the city of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring at least 196 others, including children.

The Balkan country declared seven days of national mourning and other nations have extended offers of help.

“We’re mobilising our resources to provide specialised care for patients transferred to Belgium,” said foreign minister Maxime Prévot.

“Our hospitals and medical teams are ready to receive them and provide them with the best possible treatment. This concrete support illustrates our unwavering commitment to international cooperation and mutual assistance in times of crisis.”

Prévot added that Belgium expresses “its full solidarity with the Macedonian people and all the families affected”.

Belgium dispatched a B-FAST reconnaissance team to North Macedonia on Monday, made up of specialised personnel from the defence, health and foreign affairs ministries.

The team carried out an assessment of the assistance currently needed in collaboration with the local health ministry, which is responsible for coordination.

“In these difficult times, the friendship between our nations takes on its full meaning,” said Prévot. “Together, we will overcome this challenge.”

Photo: Benoit Doppagne/Belga