New Delhi: At least 40 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss Alps during New Year celebrations. Most of the injured are in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Valais canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the cause of the fire is under investigation and experts have not yet been able to enter the debris due to safety concerns.
Local councillor Mathias Reynard said the number of injured was so high that the intensive care unit and operating theatres at the regional hospital were quickly filled to capacity. Several of those who died were foreign nationals.
According to police, the incident occurred at the internationally known alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana. Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said the fire broke out around 1:30 am at a bar named Le Constellation. At the time of the incident, more than 100 people were inside the building.
“We are seeing a large number of injured people and several fatalities,” Lathion said.
He added that a reception centre and helpline have been set up for affected families. “We are still at an early stage of the investigation but this is a world-famous ski resort that attracts a large number of international tourists,” he said.
Police have called a press conference at 10 am in Crans-Montana to provide further details. The resort is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn.
