Around 40 people have died and at least 115 others were injured after a fire tore through a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, authorities say.
The blaze broke out at about 01:30 (00:30 GMT) in Le Constellation, a popular bar in the Valais resort town. Officials have ruled out any suggestion of an attack, but say the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Regional police commander Frédéric Gisler said people of several nationalities were among the dead and injured. Identifying the victims and notifying families is now a top priority, he added.
Thirteen helicopters, 42 ambulances and around 150 emergency responders were deployed overnight as rescue efforts continued into Thursday. Many of the wounded suffered severe burns; 60 people were taken to Sion hospital in Valais, where the intensive care unit is now at full capacity.
Some of the most critical patients were airlifted to specialist burns units in Lausanne, Zurich and Geneva. Doctors in Geneva said several patients, many aged between 15 and 25, had third-degree burns and may also have internal injuries from inhaling hot, toxic smoke.
“It was an extremely intense fire,” said Dr Robert Larribau of Geneva University Hospitals, warning that some victims suffered serious lung damage from smoke and heat.
Officials say they still do not know how many people were inside the venue when the fire started. The bar, which has an upstairs area with TV screens and a larger dance space below, is known for attracting a young, festive crowd.
Valais Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud said multiple lines of inquiry were being pursued, including whether interior furnishings or narrow staircases contributed to the speed and lethality of the blaze. She declined to confirm rumours that champagne bottles with flares sparked the fire, saying investigators were still examining the scene and analysing mobile phone footage.
“At no time is there any question of an attack,” Pilloud stressed, describing the incident instead as a “generalised fire” leading to rapid conflagration.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the disaster “one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced,” as local residents gathered for a vigil at a nearby church. Floral tributes have been left close to the cordoned-off bar.
Foreign ministries in Italy and France say dozens of their citizens are dead, missing or injured. The UK and EU institutions have offered support, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledging medical assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
