A fire at a popular ski resort bar in the Swiss Alps has left around 100 people injured, and several dozen feared dead.
The fire in Cans-Montana, Switzerland, a ski resort town, began at around 1:30 a.m. local time and was sparked at Le Constellation bar during a New Year’s celebration. Swiss law enforcement officials announced at a Thursday afternoon press conference that most of the injured were seriously injured and that they were all being cared for.
“A significant intervention was carried out with firefighters from around the region and emergency services from across Switzerland. The priority was to take care of the victims, to provide first aid and to bring them to the various hospitals of the region in Sion, Lucerne, and Geneva,” Frederic Gisler, commander of the Valais cantonal police, said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials have ruled out the possibility of an attack, Beatrice Pilloud, attorney general of the Valais canton, said. Officials said the community is “devastated” and also said that people from several countries are believed to be among the victims.
“There are major investigations in order to identify the circumstances of the tragedy, and I can say at the moment that we are talking about a fire and there is no question of any form of attack,” Pilloud said.
Two witnesses of the fire told a CNN affiliate that it was caused by sparklers in champagne bottles, but officials have not corroborated this.
Several international leaders have also spoken out about the fire to send their condolences. The U.S. Embassy in Bern issued a statement sending its thoughts and prayers to those who died and were injured in the fire, and their loved ones.
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“We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders and emergency personnel for their swift and courageous efforts,” the Embassy said. “We encourage U.S. citizens in Switzerland to notify family and friends of their safety.”
“Deep emotion following the fire in Crans-Montana. My thoughts go to the bereaved families and the injured. To Switzerland, to its people and to its authorities, I convey the full solidarity of France and our fraternal support,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in an X post.