Several Dozen Presumed Dead and Over 100 Injured After Fire at Ski Resort Bar During New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Several dozen people are feared dead and more than 100 others have been injured following a devastating fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

At around 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, Jan. 1, a “serious incident” occurred at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps, according to a translated statement from the Cantonal Police of Valais.

Authorities later confirmed during a morning press conference that “several dozens” of people are presumed to have died in the incident, while more than 100 sustained injuries. Investigators believe a fire triggered an explosion inside the venue.

Officials emphasized that there is no indication the incident was linked to terrorism, according to The Guardian.

Police said earlier that “a fire of undetermined origin” broke out at the bar, prompting an immediate response from a large contingent of emergency services. Firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams rushed to the scene to assist victims.

According to the BBC, the response involved 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and roughly 150 emergency responders. Many of those seriously injured were treated for severe burns.

Madam Beatrice Pilloud, prosecutor-general of Valais canton, confirmed that a formal investigation is underway “to identify the circumstances which caused this dramatic situation to occur,” the BBC reported.

Out of respect for the affected families, Pilloud declined to provide further details but noted that authorities are currently favoring the theory of a fire and that “at no time is there question of any attack.”

She also said officials are working to identify the victims and return bodies to their families as quickly as possible, adding that the process requires extensive work and will necessitate the temporary closure of the district.

During Thursday’s press conference, authorities clarified that the incident was not caused by an explosive device, though further details could not yet be confirmed, according to The Guardian.

The nationalities of the victims have not been officially confirmed. Police noted, however, that the bar is located in a resort popular with international tourists.

Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion said investigators are still in the early stages of their work, describing Crans-Montana as “an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists,” according to the Associated Press. The BBC also reported that several nationalities are believed to be among those affected, citing the region’s head of security.

In their initial statement, police said the area surrounding the explosion was “completely closed to the public,” and a no-fly zone was established. Authorities also confirmed that a helpline has been set up to assist families seeking information.

The Cantonal Police of Valais did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.