NEW YEAR TRAGEDY: Dozens killed in Swiss ski resort bar fire

International

AROUND 40 people died and more than 115 others were injured after a powerful fire tore through a crowded bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana in southern Switzerland, according to police and regional officials.

Many of the injured are reported to be in severe or critical condition, making the incident one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in the country’s recent history.

In a report by BBC, the fire broke out at around 1:30am during New Year festivities at Le Constellation, a long-established bar popular with tourists and locals.

Officials said the venue was hosting a young, festive crowd when flames and heavy smoke rapidly engulfed parts of the building, leaving little time for people to escape.

Emergency services launched a large-scale overnight operation in the Valais region, deploying 13 helicopters, 42 ambulances and around 150 first responders. Victims were evacuated under difficult conditions, with some requiring immediate airlifts to specialist hospitals due to the severity of their injuries.

Hospitals across Switzerland were placed under intense pressure as burn victims were transferred to facilities in Sion, Lausanne, Zurich and Geneva. Health authorities said many patients suffered extensive burns and internal injuries caused by inhaling toxic smoke, while intensive care units in some hospitals reached full capacity.

Doctors treating the injured reported that several patients sustained third-degree burns, and some of the most critically injured were young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Medical staff warned that recovery for many victims could be long and uncertain, given the extent of the injuries.

Authorities confirmed that people from multiple countries were affected, reflecting Crans-Montana’s status as an international holiday destination during the peak ski season. Foreign ministries in several European countries said they were working with Swiss officials to locate missing nationals and assist families.

Investigators have ruled out any deliberate attack and said there is no indication of terrorism or criminal intent. Prosecutors stated that several possible causes are being examined, but stressed it was too early to confirm how the fire started or whether safety factors such as exits and stairways played a role.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)