Reported from the source

Quick summary: A devastating fire on New Year’s Eve night at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has resulted in approximately 40 fatalities and 115 injuries, many of them severe. Swiss authorities have described it as one of the worst tragedies in the country’s history. The cause of the fire, which led to a flashover and explosions, remains under investigation, with officials ruling out an attack.

The fire erupted around 1:30 AM on New Year’s Eve at “Le Constellation” bar in Crans-Montana. Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed the casualty figures, noting that most of the 115 injured sustained severe burns. Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin stated that many of the victims were young, calling it “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever seen.” Due to the severity of the burns, the identification of the deceased and injured is expected to take considerable time. Numerous severely injured individuals have been airlifted to hospitals in Lausanne, Zurich, Geneva, and other clinics. Among the injured are approximately 15 Italian and two French citizens, as confirmed by their respective foreign ministries. Investigators have ruled out an attack as the cause. Prosecutor General Beatrice Pilloud of Valais Canton stated that a “flashover” occurred, leading to one or more explosions. The primary hypothesis is that the entire room caught fire, triggering an explosion. Eyewitnesses reported the wooden ceiling of the bar’s basement catching fire, with some attributing it to candles and others to table fireworks. Concerns about safety standards, including reports of only one staircase leading from the basement to safety, will be part of the ongoing investigation. Witnesses have been questioned, and mobile phones secured. International condolences have poured in, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressing shock and sympathy. French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his country’s “full solidarity.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced plans to visit Crans-Montana on Friday.

Source: www.tagesschau.de