Dozens Killed in New Year's Fire at Swiss Alps Resort
A fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps killed approximately 40 people and injured more than 100 during a New Year's celebration early Thursday morning. The blaze occurred at Le Constellation, a bar in the upscale ski resort town of Crans-Montana, in the canton of Valais, according to officials.
The victims, many of whom were young people celebrating the New Year, were from multiple countries. Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the event "one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced" and postponed a scheduled New Year's address to travel to the scene. "This tragedy occurred in a place that is naturally associated with life and joy," Parmelin said.
The fire reportedly broke out in the early morning hours and set off a flashover, a phenomenon where surfaces in an enclosed space become hot enough to ignite almost simultaneously, spreading flames rapidly. At least one explosion followed, according to officials.
Authorities are working to identify the dead and return their remains. Medical officials noted the loss of many young lives. The incident is under investigation.
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