All those killed in the crash have now been identified, and the autopsy has been completed. According to Minister Pance Toshkovski, 93 injured people are currently being treated in hospitals in Skopje, while an additional 80 patients have been sent for treatment abroad due to the severity of their injuries, Plusinfo reports, Fokus reports.
„It is true that near the „Pulse“ discotheque "a tanker with oil was found, but it is completely empty and there is no connection between the owner of the tanker and the management of the discotheque," said Minister of Interior Pance Toshkovski during a press conference today on the tragedy in Kochani.
He rejected speculation that there was a risk of a devastating explosion that would increase the tragedy at the "Pulse" discotheque, where a large fire recently broke out with victims and injuries.
Minister Toshkovski informed about the progress of the investigation and the measures taken to fully clarify the case. So far, 18 people have been detained, of which 16 have been officially arrested.
The last detainee has been charged with serious crimes against public order related to causing public danger. He has signed the main project for issuing a permit to operate the discotheque as a cabaret club.
“In order to ensure a completely independent investigation, I have decided to dismiss senior police officers in Kocani and replace them with people from Skopje“, Minister Toshkovski said.
A total of 71 people have been questioned as part of the investigation, and 14 of them have already been placed under a 48-hour pre-trial detention measure.
The police have searched two employees of the Ministry of Economy, seizing technical equipment, documentation, weapons and ammunition. Searches were also carried out in the office of the discotheque manager, and today the police entered the Kochani municipality building to secure additional documentation.
In addition, searches were carried out in office premises used by an advisor at the Ministry of Economy due to doubts related to the permits and project documentation for the discotheque.
Toshkovski announced that the investigation will continue with maximum seriousness and the strictest sanctions for all those responsible for the tragic incident.