Deadly Fire at Bar in Switzerland Kills 40

Darwin, 02 January: At least 40 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in a devastating fire at a resort and bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Local media reports say the death toll could rise further.

Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident in a statement, according to Reuters. The ministry said many of the injured are suffering from severe burn injuries and are receiving emergency medical treatment.

A information and assistance center has been set up for the families of victims at the “Le Régent” Congress Center in Crans-Montana. As the victims include nationals from several countries, authorities are continuing efforts to identify those affected.

According to Al Jazeera, citing a spokesperson from the police in Switzerland’s southwestern canton of Valais, the fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday during New Year celebrations. The blaze started at a bar called Le Constellation, where more than 100 people were reportedly present at the time of the incident.

Images published by Swiss media show the building engulfed in intense flames. While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, police suspect it may have been triggered by an explosion.

Due to the overwhelming number of critically injured patients, the intensive care unit at the local Valais hospital has reached full capacity. Several burn victims are being transferred to other medical facilities for specialized treatment.

Police spokesperson Gautan Lathian said emergency rescue operations are still ongoing. Large numbers of police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers rushed to the scene immediately to assist victims. Authorities expect the rescue and recovery operation to continue for several more days.