Videos circulating on social media show the moment the fire began to spread in the bar of a ski resort in southern Switzerland, in the tourist town of Crans-Montana, during the New Year’s party. The incident left at least 40 dead and around 100 injured, who were transported to hospitals in the region. Ten helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 rescuers were mobilized to fight the flames and rescue the victims.
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The Italian Foreign Ministry, which confirmed the death toll of 40, said it was not arson. The victims, according to the ministry’s press release, have not yet been identified due to the severity of the burns.
A witness interviewed by French broadcaster BFMTV described people breaking windows to escape the fire, some seriously injured, and panicked parents rushing to the scene to see if their children were trapped inside.
According to police, people of different nationalities were involved in the incident, but no further details were provided on the origin of the victims.
At a brief press conference after the fire, according to the British Guardian newspaper, authorities were asked about safety standards at the “Constellation”, where the explosion occurred, while some people were trapped in the building. Claims have also emerged that fireworks or pyrotechnic devices could be the cause.
The Crans-Montana ski resort spoke out on social media, regretting what happened and advising families to contact local police to access information on the case. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all the people and emergency services who are providing assistance at this time,” the note said.
Images posted on social media and recorded by media outside the station showed columns of smoke rising from the building as emergency vehicles headed towards the scene. The address, which attracts a high-end clientele, can accommodate more than 300 people. The bar where the party took place is underground, The Sun newspaper discovered.
In an interview with local newspaper Blick, a former owner of the bar said that the basement which provides access to the establishment only has a narrow passage for entry and exit.
One of the most unique places in Switzerland, Crans-Montana is famous for its year-round sunshine, which is due to its position on a south-facing plateau in the Rhone Valley. The area – at 1,500 meters above sea level – offers panoramic views of the Alps, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, one of the highest peaks in Europe.
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