Night Of Horror In Swiss Alps: 40 Killed As Fire Engulfs Packed Crans-Montana Bar | World News

Bern (Switzerland): A late-night fire at a popular bar in the famous Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana sent the country into shock, killing at least 40 people and injuring around 115, local police confirmed on Thursday (January 1).

A fire broke out in the “Le Constellation” bar in the center of the resort, turning the winter celebration night into one of the deadliest events the region has seen in years. Valais Cantonal Police said the fire was not caused by arson, according to CNN.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Crans-Montana, Valais Canton Police Commander Frederic Gisler said that emergency services acted immediately when the alarm was given. Smoke was first seen rising from the bar at around 1.30am and a few minutes later a witness contacted the emergency call center to report the danger.

“A red alert was immediately issued,” he said, explaining that firefighting units and rescue teams were mobilized without delay.

First responders from the Crans-Montana intercommunal police and gendarmerie arrived on the scene at 1:32 a.m., followed immediately by additional emergency teams.

“Their first mission was obviously to take care of the victims and provide them with emergency assistance,” Gisler told the press.

Fire crews took the flames under control in a short time, allowing the fire crews to start their first work after the fire was extinguished. “After this, the first investigations could begin,” he added.

As the extent of the tragedy became clear, authorities set up reception centers to support survivors and those displaced by the fire. A special hotline opened at 4:14 a.m. to assist families seeking information about their loved ones.

“Thanks to this large-scale mobilization, all of the injured were treated shortly after 5 a.m.,” the police commander said, noting the coordinated response of emergency services throughout the night.

The ordeal is not over yet for the families who lost their loved ones in the fire. Local authorities warned that due to the seriousness of the incident, it could take several days to identify all the victims.

“The priority now and in the coming days will be to identify the deceased so that the bodies can be quickly returned to their families,” Gisler said.

The tragedy drew messages of support from across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and solidarity to Switzerland and the families affected by the fire.

In a post on