Alpine, Jan 2: A devastating fire tore through a crowded bar in the upscale ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, killing around 40 people and injuring about 115 others, many seriously, police and officials said.
The blaze broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on January 1 in Le Constellation, a popular bar and nightclub, as revelers welcomed the new year. Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly through the crowded venue.
Emergency services rushed to the scene with dozens of ambulances and helicopters to evacuate and treat the injured, overwhelming local hospitals. Swiss authorities have ruled out terrorism and launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is believed to have been accidental.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced”.