Crans-Montana: Several dozen dead and 100 injured after fire at Swiss ski resort bar
Dozens of people died and 100 people were injured in a fire that broke out in a bar at a ski resort in Switzerland.
When the fire started just after 01.30, New Year’s Eve revelers fled.
Footage circulating on social media, allegedly related to the fire that broke out at Le Constellation Bar in the luxury resort in Crans-Montana, shows flames ravaging the building. The bar is located in the basement.
While initial reports indicated the flames were caused by an explosion, officials later said the cause of the fire was unknown.
Police commander Frederic Gisler confirmed that dozens of people were killed and about 100 were injured. Mirror.
“Firefighters quickly secured the area, police identified a location to receive victims and provide care to families, and a hotline was established to support victims and their loved ones,” he said.
“All the injured are receiving treatment, there are about 100 injured, some seriously injured, and several dozen people have died. Currently the central street of Crans is closed for investigations.”
Including local media Logo Nouvelleliste Up to 40 people have been reported dead, but this has not yet been confirmed by police.
Initial reports said there were approximately 100 people inside at the time of the incident, but with the current approximate number of dead and injured, it appears there were more inside. The venue could accommodate up to 400 people.
It is unknown what caused the explosion, but local reports suggest pyrotechnics.
Local media reported that the bar had only one entrance and exit, making evacuation difficult.
There is a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana, a luxury ski resort located in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the country’s Valais region and popular with British tourists.
Regional council president Mathias Renard shared his condolences at a press conference on Thursday.
“The evening was supposed to be a celebration, a coming together, but it turned into a nightmare in which people were seriously injured and many people lost their lives,” Mr Renard said.
“Our thoughts are with those injured and affected; the local authority recognizes those working through the night and will continue to do so over the coming days.”
