Politicians in Albania expressed their condolences to the families of the 51 victims in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia.

The head of government Edi Rama, has expressed his readiness to come to the aid of the neighboring country, while stating “I am speechless and pray that the injured recover and that the families of the victims find the strength to cope with their inconsolable loss”.

"With a special sense of sorrow, I convey to the brothers and sisters of North Macedonia my condolences for the great tragedy of Kocani. I am speechless and pray that the injured recover and that the families of the victims find the strength to cope with their inconsolable loss. I also convey to Prime Minister Mickovski and the authorities of the neighboring country my condolences on behalf of Albania and Albanians, expressing our readiness for whatever assistance may be necessary," said Rama.

A reaction came even by the President, Bajram Begaj.

"Shocked by the tragedy that has occurred, by the loss of young lives and the injury of many others from the fire that broke out at a discotheque in the city of Kocani, North Macedonia. My sincere condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones and to all the neighboring people of North Macedonia," said Begaj.

The blaze is said to have started around 02:30 (01:30 GMT) at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town around 100 km (60 miles) east of the capital, Skopje. Footage posted on social media shows the building engulfed in flames.

As many as 1,500 were said to have been attending a concert by the band DNK, a hip-hop duo popular in the country.

Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said that according to initial reports, the fire started from sparks caused by pyrotechnic devices.