At Least 40 Killed, Over 115 Injured In Fire At Switzerland Ski Resort

At least 40 people were killed, and nearly 115 others were injured after a massive fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations early Thursday morning.

According to the reports, the fire started around 1.30 am at a popular bar called Le Constellation, which can accommodate more than 300 people.

The venue was crowded as people gathered to celebrate the New Year when the blaze erupted.

Police said most of the injured are in serious condition. Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported victims to hospitals across Switzerland and neighbouring countries. Some of the injured were taken to hospitals in France.

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Initial reports suggested that an explosion may have caused the fire.

However, Beatrice Pilloud, the chief prosecutor of Wallis canton, later clarified that the fire broke out first and then led to an explosion. Authorities have said they do not believe the incident was caused by an attack. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known.”

Officials said identifying the victims will take time, as many bodies were badly burned. Dental records and DNA testing are being used to confirm identities.

Given Crans-Montana’s popularity with international tourists, police said foreign nationals are likely among the victims.

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The French foreign ministry confirmed that nine French citizens were injured and eight others are missing. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that 15 Italian citizens were injured and a similar number are unaccounted for.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke to his Swiss counterpart and offered assistance following the tragedy.

(With inputs from Scroll.In)