Some Swiss media reports suggested pyrotechnics used during a concert may have triggered the blaze, which caused dozens of casualties at the Le Constellation luxury bar.
However, so far, police investigators have not confirmed any cause of the fire that killed dozens of people celebrating the New Year at the luxury bar in Crans-Montana, and injured many others.
Officials emphasised that authorities are treating the incident as a fire, not a deliberate attack.
Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said investigators are examining all possibilities and will provide updates as verified information becomes available.
Dozens of people are feared to have been killed and around 100 others injured after a devastating explosion and fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, local authorities said on Thursday. The incident turned festive celebrations into scenes of chaos and panic.
Police in the Valais canton confirmed that the fire broke out at around 1:30am local time at Le Constellation bar in southwestern Switzerland. Revellers had gathered to welcome the New Year when bright flames engulfed the venue. Authorities said the majority of those injured remain in serious condition, placing immense pressure on local medical facilities.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Emergency Response Intensifies
Valais Hospital officials said the Intensive Care Unit has reached full capacity, forcing the transfer of critically injured patients to other hospitals. Emergency services launched a large-scale response, deploying around 40 ambulances and 10 helicopters to evacuate the wounded and secure the area.
Police confirmed that some victims are foreign nationals, although authorities have not yet verified their identities or nationalities. Witnesses described terrifying scenes as people ran from the burning building. A tourist from New York told AFP he saw people screaming and fleeing as flames poured from the bar into the night sky.
According to the Crans-Montana municipality, Le Constellation has a capacity of 300 people indoors and an additional 40 on its terrace. Police estimated that about 100 people were present at the time of the incident.
Authorities Seal Area, Launch Investigation
Following the incident, authorities completely sealed off the area and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to allow rescue and investigation efforts to continue uninterrupted. Swiss police stressed that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
