Several people were killed and many others injured after a massive fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, police said on Wednesday.
According to authorities, the incident occurred shortly after 1:30 am local time when an explosion of unknown origin triggered a blaze at a crowded bar in the resort located in the Valais canton of southwestern Switzerland. The venue was packed with revellers celebrating the arrival of the New Year.
Emergency services rushed to the spot as flames and smoke engulfed the building. Firefighters, police and medical teams worked for hours to control the fire and evacuate those trapped inside. Several injured people, including some with serious burns, were rushed to hospitals in the region.
Police confirmed that multiple fatalities had been reported but said the exact number of deaths could not be immediately established. Authorities have not yet released the identities or nationalities of the victims.
The area around the bar was sealed off, and a temporary no-fly zone was imposed over the resort to allow rescue operations to proceed without disruption. Swiss officials said the situation was brought under control later in the morning.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire. Officials said it was too early to say whether the incident was accidental or linked to a technical fault.
Crans-Montana is a popular and upscale ski destination that attracts large numbers of international tourists, particularly during the winter holiday season. Police said further details would be shared after a scheduled press briefing.
The incident has cast a shadow over New Year celebrations in Switzerland, with authorities expressing condolences to the families of the victims and assuring a thorough probe into the tragedy.
- Log in to post comments
