The fire is believed to have started after several oxygen cylinders exploded inside the hospital, where patients with Covid-19 were being treated. The blaze spread rapidly through the building, leaving little time for staff and patients to evacuate. Venko Filipce, the Health Minister, attended the scene but refused to comment on the number of casualties.

       The Vice -Chair of the city's fire department told reporters that they had received a distress call from the hospital at 21.02pm local time.

       However, he was also unable to confirm the exact number of victims.

       Besian Rustemi, whose sister and cousin live in Tetovo, told Express.co.uk: "All place burned down in 20 minutes.

       "People were on therapy and did not have a chance to run.

       "They were incapable of leaving the room."

       Messages of support and sympathy began rolling in from North Macedonia's neighbours.

       Albania's President, Ilir Meta, sent his condolences to the relatives of the victims.

       "I express the deepest condolences for the relatives of the victims, while I wish a rapid healing to all the injured," he said in a statement.

       "In this difficult moment, I express my full solidarity with the state authorities of North Macedonia, which are making every effort to save as many lives as possible and bring the situation under control."

       READ MORE: Greece fires: Irishman on honeymoon dies as bride in hospital

       "My thoughts and prayers are with Tetovo."

       Albin Kurti, Kosovo's prime minister, said: "We are with Tetovo in this difficult moment."

       Many ethnic Albanians live in North Macedonia.

       According to a national census from 2002, 25 percent of the population identify as Albanians.

       DON'T MISS

       Yulia Skripal discharged from hospital [Reveal]

       Girl, 5, shot in chest as gunman fires at gang rivals in shop [Spotlight]

       Two more killed in Russian fires [Insight]