Approximately 40 individuals have perished following a devastating fire that swept through a bar in a ski resort located in southern Switzerland, according to police reports. An additional 115 individuals sustained injuries, with many being described as “severely” harmed.
The blaze erupted around 01:30 (00:30 GMT) during New Year festivities in a bar named Le Constellation in Crans-Montana.
Authorities looking into the event have yet to confirm the reason, but have firmly ruled out any possibility of an attack.
Individuals from various nations have been impacted. Frédéric Gisler, the regional police commander, indicated that the immediate focus in the upcoming days would be on identifying the deceased “to ensure their bodies can be returned swiftly” to their relatives.
Thirteen helicopters, 42 ambulances, and 150 emergency personnel were dispatched overnight to the fire’s location in the Valais area, which is a favored destination for tourists.
Most of the injured suffered from severe burns, with 60 individuals transported to the Sion hospital in Valais, and a “significant number” reported to be in critical condition, according to Regional governor Mathias Reynard.
The intensive care unit was fully occupied, and Reynard emphasized that the local community must exercise extra caution to prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
“We are painfully aware that the process of identifying the deceased and the injured may take an excruciatingly long time for the families involved,” Reynard added.
Some victims have been transported to hospitals in other Swiss cities, including Lausanne and Zurich, which feature specialized burn units.
A representative from Lausanne University Hospital reported that they were managing 22 patients with burn injuries, while Zurich University Hospital stated that 12 patients were being treated for burns.
Some patients were shifted to Geneva University Hospitals, receiving treatment for severe “third degree” burns, and were described as “very young… between 15 and 25 years of age”, Dr. Robert Larribau told the BBC’s World Tonight program.
“The fire ignited with such intensity that the burns can be internal. Individuals inhaled toxic smoke into their lungs,” Dr. Larribau noted.
Richard Hagger, president of the UK Association of Fire Investigators, elaborated on the “flashover” phenomenon believed to have contributed to the fire’s lethal nature.
“Initially, a fire ignites, the flames and heat radiation reach the ceiling and spread outwards,” he explained to The World Tonight.
“This thermal radiation then cascades down onto additional combustible materials, such as furniture, increasing the temperature to the point where they break down thermally and release flammable gas.
“Subsequently, that gas catches fire, igniting rapidly. Hence, the room essentially transforms into a fully engulfed fire within moments.”
The Italian Foreign Ministry informed the BBC that 16 Italian citizens are currently unaccounted for, and between 12 and 15 others are receiving hospital care.
The French foreign ministry reported that eight of its nationals are missing and did not exclude the possibility that French citizens may be among those deceased.
French media stated that at least two of the injured are French citizens.
Three Italian nationals were being relocated to Milan’s Niguarda hospital, which has a significant burn unit, Italian councillor Guido Bertolaso mentioned.
They suffered burns covering “30-40% of their bodies,” he informed reporters, remaining intubated, but “the ability to transfer them is a positive sign.”
The exact count of fatalities and injuries remains uncertain, along with the nationalities involved; however, officials have affirmed that multiple nationalities were affected.
During a press briefing on Thursday evening, officials indicated they were unaware of how many individuals were present in the bar at the time of the fire’s outbreak.
State councillor Stéphane Ganzer described the bar as hosting a “young festive crowd” during the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that a probe was underway “to ascertain the circumstances that led to this tragic event.”
She was questioned by reporters at the press briefing about speculations that champagne bottles equipped with flares might have started the fire and whether the staircases were “very narrow”.
She replied that she could not verify anything while the investigation is still in progress.
Ms. Pilloud noted that the staircases appeared to be narrow, but investigations would evaluate if they complied with standards.
She mentioned that “multiple theories” regarding the cause of the fire have surfaced, with the predominant hypothesis being a “general fire that led to conflagration” – a significant fire resulting in extensive damage, as opposed to an explosion.
Several witnesses have been interviewed, and phones have also been retrieved for examination.
“At no point is an attack being considered,” she asserted.
Efforts are continuing to identify the victims and return bodies to families as swiftly as possible, Ms. Pilloud stated, adding: “Significant work is necessary to achieve that. This extensive work will necessitate the closure of the area.”
The Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, remarked that it could take weeks to identify the deceased.
A helpline has been established for families: +41 848 112 117
The fire was “one of the gravest tragedies our country has faced,” Swiss President Guy Parmelin informed reporters.
Local residents convened to honor the deceased and wounded at a vigil at Montana Station Church on Thursday evening, and floral tributes were placed near the fire site.
Crans-Montana, a high-end ski resort, gained fame in the 1980s for hosting World Cup skiing events.
Le Constellation, which has been in operation for many years, features an upper level with television screens where patrons watch football matches, alongside a spacious bar on the lower level for socializing and dancing.
The UK Foreign Office expressed that its “thoughts are with all affected by this horrific tragedy” and that consulate staff were prepared to assist any British nationals impacted.
King Charles conveyed his and his wife Queen Camilla’s “deep sadness” upon learning of the fire, describing it as “utterly heartbreaking that a celebration night for youths and families has turned into such a nightmarish tragedy.”
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France was admitting the injured from Crans-Montana to its hospitals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned that the EU is collaborating with Swiss authorities to provide medical assistance to victims via the EU’s civil protection mechanism.
