Deadly New Year’s Fire Kills Nearly 40 at Swiss Ski Resort in Crans-Montana
Fire at Crans-Montana Ski Resort Kills Almost 40 During New Year Festivities: Nearly 40 people celebrating New Year’s Day were killed and close to 100 others injured after a devastating fire tore through a bar at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said on Thursday. Many of the injured are in serious condition, overwhelming local medical facilities.
The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. local time at the resort’s popular “Le Constellation” bar, where crowds had gathered to celebrate the New Year. Swiss police said dozens of people are feared dead but declined to confirm an exact number. Italy’s Foreign Ministry, citing Swiss police, reported that approximately 40 people had lost their lives. Some of the victims were foreign nationals.
According to officials, the incident appears to have been an accident rather than a deliberate attack. Early reports suggested a possible explosion, but investigators have not yet confirmed the cause. Witnesses said fireworks or “birthday candle” fountains may have played a role.
Two French women who were inside the bar told local media that the fire may have started in the basement after a bottle carrying sparkling candles came too close to the wooden ceiling. “The fire spread very quickly,” one of them said, describing how she escaped by climbing a narrow staircase moments before flames reached the ground floor.
New Year Festivities End in Disaster After Fire Rips Through Swiss Resort Bar
Italian Ambassador to Switzerland Gian Lorenzo Cornado, citing local authorities, said the fire likely began in the ceiling after fireworks were set off inside the bar. He traveled to Crans-Montana as many Italians gathered there seeking news of missing relatives and friends. He did not confirm whether Italian citizens were among the victims.
Footage from Thursday morning showed the area sealed off, with forensic tents set up as investigators began their work. Identification of the victims is expected to take considerable time due to the severity of the burns, according to local prosecutor Beatrice Pillaud, who confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched.
Authorities said the bar was owned by a French couple, based on Swiss business records. Experts have not yet been able to fully access the debris, making it too early to draw firm conclusions about the cause of the blaze. Police also imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana, which is scheduled to host the Alpine World Ski Championships next year.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences, saying, “What should have been a joyous moment turned into mourning on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, leaving the entire country deeply saddened.” He postponed his traditional New Year’s address out of respect for the victims’ families. Foreign ministers from neighboring Italy and Germany also sent messages of sympathy.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over New Year celebrations in Switzerland, as authorities continue to search for answers and support grieving families.
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