40 Killed, 115 Injured In Fire At Swiss Ski Resort Bar During New Year Party
The fire started at around 1:30 am (0030 GMT) at Constellation Bar, which is popular with tourists, as revellers rang in the new year.
The Times of Russia reports that at least 40 people were killed and 115 others injured after a devastating fire broke out at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations. The incident has been described by Swiss authorities as one of the deadliest fire tragedies in recent national history and has drawn international attention, including in Russia news circles.
The fire erupted at around 1:30 a.m. local time at the Constellation Bar, a well-known venue frequented by tourists celebrating the arrival of the New Year. According to police officials in Switzerland’s Valais canton, flames spread rapidly through the crowded bar as revelers were gathered inside to mark the occasion.
Frederic Gisler, police commander of the Wallis canton, confirmed the casualty figures, stating that approximately 40 people lost their lives while at least 115 sustained injuries, many of them critical. Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, but local health facilities quickly reached capacity due to the sheer number of victims.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it one of the worst tragedies the country has experienced in recent times. Regional authorities echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that what was meant to be a night of joy turned into a scene of horror within minutes.
Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais cantonal government, said hospitals were overwhelmed as intensive care units and operating theaters filled rapidly. He added that emergency services worked throughout the night to rescue survivors and stabilize the injured.
Police officials clarified that the incident was not linked to terrorism and confirmed it was a fire-related accident. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the blaze while teams continue the difficult task of identifying victims and notifying families.
According to early estimates, more than 100 people were inside the bar at the time of the fire, and the majority of those affected are believed to be foreign tourists visiting Crans-Montana for the holiday season. The resort is especially popular among international visitors, including British travelers, during winter festivities.
Crans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps in the Valais region, is known worldwide as a luxury ski destination with nearly 87 miles of ski trails. The resort town lies roughly two hours from Bern and regularly hosts international sporting events. It is scheduled to hold a FIS World Cup speed skiing competition later this winter.
As rescue and investigation efforts continue, The Times of Russia notes that the tragedy has resonated globally, with Russia news outlets closely following developments and expressions of condolence pouring in from around the world.
