The blaze started around 1:30 am local time as revelers were ringing in the new year, with over 100 people present in the bar at the time, Aljazeera reported.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact number of casualties, but reports indicate that at least 10 fatalities have occurred, with some local media suggesting the number may be higher. Alongside the deaths, many individuals have sustained serious injuries, particularly burns. Initial media reports mentioned an explosion, but the police later described the incident as a fire of undetermined origin.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, deploying a large contingent of police, firefighters, and medical personnel to assist the numerous victims. Medical sources reported that hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland are struggling to cope with the influx of burn victims.
In the aftermath of the blaze, ambulances were seen earlier today transporting injured individuals from Crans-Montana. The ski resort, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps just 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn, draws large numbers of tourists, making this incident particularly tragic as families were celebrating the New Year. To support impacted families, a reception center and helpline have been established.
The area surrounding the incident has been completely closed off to the public for safety and investigative purposes, and authorities have imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana. Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion stated, “the intervention is still ongoing,” emphasizing that the response teams are working diligently to manage the situation and provide assistance to those affected.
The investigation into the cause of the fire continues as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
