Police in North Macedonia have arrested the wife and daughter of Dejan Jovanov Deko, owner of the “Puls” nightclub in Kočani, where a devastating fire claimed the lives of 59 people. Authorities have also confiscated five mobile phones during the arrests.

In addition to their detention, police conducted searches of another property owned by Jovanov and entered the offices of the State Market Inspectorate in Kočani for investigation. The nightclub owner himself is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Lithuania, one of four individuals transferred there due to serious injuries.

So far, 34 individuals have been identified as suspects in the investigation, with 27 people and three legal entities formally under criminal investigation. Charges include “serious offenses against public safety” and “causing general danger.” The investigation is being led by a team of 11 prosecutors from Skopje, Kočani, and Shtip.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of March 16, when over 650 people, mostly young partygoers, were inside “Puls” nightclub enjoying a performance by the popular band DNK. A sudden blaze broke out during the show, leading to one of the deadliest nightclub fires in the region’s history. Over 190 people were injured, with several still in critical condition.