Bern [Switzerland], January 1 (ANI): The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said around 40 people have died and nearly 100 others have been injured in a non-arson fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, citing information provided by the Valais Cantonal Police.
In a statement, the Italian Foreign Ministry said the victims are currently unidentifiable due to severe burns and that a collection point for family members has been established at the Regent Conference Center in Crans-Montana.
“According to information provided by the Valais Cantonal Police, there are approximately 40 deaths and 100 injuries due to the non-arson fire that occurred at the Constellation bar last night in Crans-Montana. The victims cannot be identified due to the severe burns they suffered. A collection point for family members has been set up at the Regent Conference Center in Crans-Montana,” the statement said.
However, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler said the fire killed several dozen people and injured about 100 others, CNN reported, adding that no exact figures were immediately available.
The Italian Foreign Ministry said the Italian Ambassador to Switzerland and the Italian Consul General in Geneva are traveling to the site to assess the situation.
According to the Valais Cantonal Police, the fire broke out on New Year’s Eve at around 1:30 a.m. local time at the Le Constellation bar.
Significant police, fire, and rescue resources were immediately deployed, and a large-scale emergency operation remains underway.
Authorities have completely cordoned off the area, and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana.
“Significant police, fire, and rescue forces immediately responded to the scene to assist the numerous victims. The operation is still ongoing. The area is completely closed off. A no-fly zone has been established over Crans-Montana,” police said.
Following the incident, Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin expressed deep grief, saying a moment of celebration had turned into tragedy.
“What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond. The Federal Council has taken note of this with deep dismay. Its thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their families, and it extends its deepest condolences,” Parmelin said in a post on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and the Swiss government.
“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,” Macron said in a post on X.
CNN, citing two witnesses, reported that the deadly fire may have been triggered by sparklers attached to champagne bottles.
“There were waitresses carrying champagne bottles with sparklers on them, and they carried them close to the ceiling, which caused it to catch fire,” one witness told CNN. Another witness said a waitress was standing on a colleague’s shoulders and the flames were only a few centimeters from the ceiling.
Both witnesses estimated that at least 200 people were inside the bar at the time of the incident.
The US Embassy in Bern also expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victims, the injured, and their families. The embassy urged US citizens in Switzerland to notify their families of their safety.
“The U.S. Embassy in Bern is deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred overnight in Crans-Montana. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and their loved ones. 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,” it added.
The British Embassy said nationals from multiple countries may have been affected and that Swiss emergency services are responding.
“Swiss emergency services are responding to a fire in Crans-Montana, with nationals from multiple countries likely affected. We continue to monitor the situation. Whilst we have not been approached for assistance, our staff stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7,” the statement said. (ANI)
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