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On the night of January 1, a large fire broke out at the ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland, following an explosion in a bar, which may have killed dozens of people.
The Guardian reports.
Swiss authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the exact number of victims, referring only to “dozens of people.” However, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who is in contact with Bern, said that 47 deaths have been confirmed.
The minister also said that 16 Italians are missing as a result of the fire, while about 10 Italian citizens are in hospitals with severe burns.
Earlier, the newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported that the death toll could reach up to 40, with more than 100 people injured, many of them suffering serious burns.
The incident occurred during a New Year’s party at the bar Le Constellation, located in the center of the resort. According to media reports, the preliminary version is that the explosion was an accident caused by careless use of pyrotechnics. A deliberate attack is not currently being considered.
The fire was brought under control on the morning of January 1. The area around the bar has been completely cordoned off, and a no-fly zone has been imposed over the resort. Valais cantonal police have announced a press conference to provide updated information on the situation.
