About 40 individuals have lost their lives, while 115 others sustained injuries in a fire incident that occurred during a gathering in the upscale ski destination of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Most of the injuries are severe, with the regional hospital’s intensive care unit and operating theater reaching full capacity due to the high number of casualties. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but authorities have ruled out arson as a possible cause.
The tragic event unfolded during a New Year’s Eve celebration at a popular bar called Le Constellation. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes of people screaming and lying on the ground, with some individuals covered in jackets. The exact number of fatalities is still unknown, as efforts to identify the victims and notify their families are ongoing.
Officials believe the fire was accidental rather than a deliberate attack, although the precise circumstances leading to the blaze remain unclear. Emergency services, including firefighters and police officers, faced a challenging situation upon their arrival at the scene. The affected area has been cordoned off, with a temporary no-fly zone established over Crans-Montana.
Among the injured are individuals from various nationalities, including Italians, with reports of missing persons and casualties from Italy. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of people trying to escape the flames, some resorting to breaking windows for survival. The incident has been described as one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies, turning what should have been a night of celebration into a nightmare.
Authorities are working diligently to manage the aftermath of the fire, with support mobilized from neighboring regions to assist the affected community. Global Affairs Canada has confirmed no impact on Canadian nationals in the incident, while Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed condolences for the lives lost and the suffering endured by those affected by the devastating fire.