At Least 40 Dead, Scores Injured In Blaze At Crans-Montana Bar, Switzerland

Swiss authorities said dozens of people were killed and about 100 injured after a fire broke out at a crowded bar during New Year's Eve celebrations in the country's southwest.

According to Reuters, Switzerland's police have not released a final toll, while Italy's foreign ministry said police information indicated at least 40 people died in the blaze.

The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. at the luxury Crans-Montana ski resort, inside a bar known as“Le Constellation,” where many guests had gathered to mark the new year.

Initial reports suggested an explosion preceded the fire, but Swiss officials said early findings point to an accident rather than a deliberate attack.

Authorities confirmed that victims include foreign nationals from several countries, and identification efforts are continuing amid difficult conditions.

Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland's most popular alpine destinations, attracting large numbers of international tourists during the winter holiday season and major festive events.

Swiss emergency services are accustomed to responding to incidents in mountainous areas, but officials said the scale of this fire required an unusually large rescue operation.

The injured were transported by ambulances and helicopters to hospitals across several Swiss cities, with officials warning that many remain in critical condition.

Investigators are examining the cause of the fire and assessing safety measures at the venue, as Switzerland mourns one of its deadliest nightlife disasters in recent years.

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