Latest news with #FCShkupi
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Soccer Player Andrej Lazarov Dead at 25 After Reportedly Trying to Save Lives in Fatal Fire
Professional soccer player Andrej Lazarov was among more than 50 people who died Sunday, March 16, in a fire at the Pulse club in Kočani in North Macedonia. He was 25. Lazarov's club FC Shkupi confirmed the news on the team's official Facebook page. The young athlete 'lost his life trying to help others escape the fire-stricken space,' the club wrote of his passing. 'He suffocated from smoke during his attempts to save lives, showing courage and humanity until the very last moment. His heroic act will forever remain in our memory, as a testament to his noble character and his big heart.' The club also described Lazarov's untimely passing as a 'huge loss' for the team. 'Words are small to describe the pain we are feeling right now, in this tragedy — one of the biggest hit by our club in its history,' the post read. Major League Soccer Player Anton Walkes Dead at 25: The Charlotte FC Star Dies Following a Boating Accident North Macedonia's Interior Minister, Panche Toshkovskithe, stated that the fire began around 3:00 a.m. local time during a press conference on Sunday. At least 59 people have died and more than 155 were injured in the blaze, according to Toshkkovskithe. The Associated Press reported that the fire was likely caused after pyrotechnics on stage hit the ceiling during the band DNK's set. 'We even tried to get out through the bathroom, only to find bars (on the windows),' Marija Taseva, who was at the event, told the AP. 'I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and they ran over me, trampled me. ... I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe.' The blaze also caused the roof of the building to partially collapse. Authorities have since blocked off the site. An account on X called The Informant also reported that 27 of the injured were treated at Skopje City Hospital, while 23 others were treated at the city's Clinical Center. 'Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a tragic day, urging support for the victims and their families,' the account noted. Toshkovskithe also said 15 people have been detained for questioning after authorities found out the club was operating without the proper license. 'We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case,' he also said. Russian Ballet Dancer Vladimir Shklyarov Dead at 39 After Suffering Fifth-Floor Fall In September 2024, Grinta Agency announced Lazarov had signed to the North Macedonian soccer team. 'We're happy to announce Andrej Lazarov will be part of FC Shkupi for the 2024/25 season,' the agency wrote on Facebook at the time. 'The talented midfielder is back in the league in which he contributed in 15 goals/assists the last time around.'
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Soccer player, 25, dies trying to save lives in Macedonia nightclub fire
Listen to article 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.
