VALAIS: Fire disaster in Valais ski resort: What we know so far: Dozens of people have died in a fire at a bar in Crans-Montana. Around 100 were injured. Here's what we know and what we don't.
Crans-Montana: A New Year's Eve party in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana ended in a fire tragedy with dozens of fatalities. The disaster in the popular tourist destination has shocked residents, tourists, and politicians. "This evening was supposed to be a celebration, but it turned into a nightmare," said Mathias Reynard, President of the Government of the Canton of Valais. According to police, around 100 people were also injured, most of them seriously, in the fire at the "Le Constellation" bar.
Crans-Montana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Swiss Alps and is usually fully booked over holidays like Christmas and New Year's, with thousands of visitors from all over the world. Police say it is very likely that foreign tourists were among the victims.
Investigators are assuming it was an accident. "An attack can be absolutely ruled out," said Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud at a press conference.
This is what happened: A fire at the "Le Constellation" bar in the Valais ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve killed several dozen people. Over one hundred people were injured, most of them seriously. The fire broke out at 1:30 a.m.
Crans-Montana – Tragedy on New Year's Eve in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana: A fire broke out at a party in a bar. Police report several dozen dead and 100 injured. Investigators are now releasing their initial statements about the sequence of events.
This is what is known about the victims: At the press conference, authorities were very reticent in their response to journalists' questions regarding the number of fatalities. Forensic pathologists are also on site for identification purposes. According to the public prosecutor's office, identifying the deceased is the top priority. Since the area is a popular international holiday destination, it is assumed that the victims come from various countries. The forensic work is complex, which is why reinforcements have been requested from neighboring cantons.
Information for relatives
A psychological support center has been set up for relatives, and a hotline has been established: 0848 112 117. The authorities are urging the public to show restraint and respect for the victims' families.
What is happening with the injured: The approximately one hundred injured have been taken to hospitals in Valais, among other places. The Valais Hospital has activated its disaster plan; according to its own statements, its intensive care units and operating rooms are at full capacity. The University Hospital Zurich, which specializes in burn injuries, has admitted over a dozen burn victims. Twenty-two burn victims are currently being treated at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), a spokeswoman told Keystone-SDA. No further injuries are expected in the coming hours.
Here's what is known about the cause: An attack has been ruled out, as the Valais authorities told the media on New Year's Day. In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, they wrote that a so-called "flashover" occurred in the bar. This refers to the sudden transition from a developing fire to a fully developed blaze. In this event, all flammable surfaces in a room ignite instantly. As a result, there were one or more explosions. The investigation is still in its early stages.
This is the current situation: The Valais State Council has declared a "state of emergency" to coordinate the large-scale operation. This is intended to ensure that all necessary resources can be mobilized as quickly and without delay as possible, according to a press release. Several hundred emergency personnel from the police, fire department, civil defense, and ambulance service were deployed. Among the resources mobilized were ten helicopters and 40 ambulances.
These are the reactions: "A night of celebration has turned into a nightmare," said Mathias Reynard, Valais Social Democratic Party State Councillor and head of the Department of Health, Social Affairs, and Culture, to the media. "We are all devastated," added Frédéric Gisler, commander of the Valais cantonal police, who took office today. Federal President Guy Parmelin expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the Federal Council.
Parmelin is postponing his New Year's address, scheduled for Thursday at noon. He is doing so out of respect for the suffering and grief of the victims' families.
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