A deadly fire broke out at a crowded bar in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana resort during New Year celebrations, with dozens feared dead and around 100 people injured.
A massive fire broke out during New Year celebrations at a crowded bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana early Thursday, leaving dozens feared dead and around 100 people injured, many of them seriously, police said.
The fire started less than two hours after midnight at the popular Le Constellation bar, which was packed with people celebrating the New Year. What began as a festive night quickly turned into a tragedy, with flames spreading rapidly through the venue.
Valais Canton police commander Frederic Gisler said “several tens of people” are believed to have died in the incident. Authorities are still working to identify the victims and inform their families, adding that exact numbers will take time to confirm. Officials stressed that there is no indication of an attack.
Witnesses told local media that the fire may have started when a lit candle accidentally set the wooden ceiling on fire. The flames spread quickly, causing the ceiling to collapse. Panic broke out as people tried to escape through narrow exits, with some smashing windows to flee the smoke and fire.
Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene, rescuing injured people, including foreign tourists. Hospitals in the region were overwhelmed due to the large number of casualties.
Valais regional government head Mathias Reynard called the incident “a nightmare” for the community. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed condolences to the victims and their families and postponed his New Year address out of respect.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials say it is too early to draw conclusions. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the popular ski resort, which is currently busy with tourists during the winter season.
