Switzerland fire LIVE: Search for people continues as pictures show start of horror blaze | World | News

As the search for victims of a fire at a ski resort in Switzerland that killed nearly 40 people continues, families have been warned they may face an agonizing wait before receiving official confirmation.

Swiss police have confirmed that around 40 people were killed and 115 injured in the fire that broke out at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana after a deadly fire broke out at 1.30am at the height of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Following the incident, which occurred at 1.30 local time, social media images show dense smoke clouds filling the sky.

Earlier, police spokesman Gaetan Lathion said: “We see a lot of injuries and a lot of deaths. We are still at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with a lot of tourists.”

Identification of victims has also caused problems for police, as authorities now warn families may have to wait weeks before receiving news.

Regional governor Mathias Reynard said last night: “We are painfully aware that identifying the bodies and injured may still take a very long time for the families involved.”

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