At least 40 people were killed and 115 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, authorities confirmed.
Addressing a joint press conference with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and senior officials, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed the casualty figures for the first time since the tragedy occurred.
“As I speak to you, we have identified around 40 people who have died, and another 115 people have been severely injured,” Gisler said.
Cause Yet to Be Determined
Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said it was too early to establish the cause of the fire, as investigators have not yet been able to access the wreckage safely.
“At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,” Pilloud said, ruling out terrorism.
The fire broke out at around 1:30 am local time while New Year’s celebrations were underway at the popular Le Constellation bar. Eyewitnesses told authorities that pyrotechnics used during the celebrations may have triggered the blaze, though this has not been confirmed.
Area Sealed, No-Fly Zone Imposed
Police said the area has been completely sealed off and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana, AFP reported. Authorities reiterated that the incident is being treated as an accident and not a terror-related event.
“At the moment, we are considering this a fire and not the possibility of an attack,” Pilloud said, according to Reuters.
Crans-Montana, an internationally renowned ski and golf resort, is due to host a FIS World Cup speed skiing event later this month. The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is typically one of Switzerland’s busiest winter tourism destinations.
Rescue operations continued through the day as emergency teams worked to retrieve bodies and assist the injured.