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What we know about deadly New Year’s fire at Swiss ski resort | World News
Dozens of people are presumed dead and around 100 others have been injured after a fire during New Year’s Eve celebrations at a bar in the Swiss Alps.
The tragedy occurred during the early hours of Thursday at Le Constellation, a bar in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Here is what we know so far.
Follow latest: Several dozen feared dead in fire
How many people have died or been injured?
Dozens of people are thought to have been killed in the blaze, Swiss police said at a news conference on Thursday morning.
Around 100 others have also been hurt, with the majority of those seriously injured.
Authorities have not confirmed an exact number of fatalities, although the Italian foreign ministry said Swiss authorities had confirmed at least 40 deaths.
The Italian foreign ministry added that many victims can’t be identified due to the severe burns on their bodies.
The intensive care unit of the local hospital is full, Mathias Renard, president of the state council, said at the news conference. Patients are being transferred to other facilities around the country.
He said 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances were mobilised after the alarm was raised.
What are the nationalities of the victims?
The Swiss authorities said some of the victims are from other countries, but the nationalities and identities of those killed and injured are yet to be confirmed.
Two French nationals are among the injured, France’s foreign ministry said.
Police at the scene. Pic: AP
Where and when did the explosion happen?
An explosion occurred at Le Constellation bar, causing a fire to break out.
The bar is in Crans-Montana in the Swiss region of Valais, which is popular with British tourists.
It is approximately two hours from the Swiss capital of Bern.
The blast and subsequent fire occurred at around 1.30am local time (12.30am UK time) while guests were celebrating the start of 2026.
What caused the explosion?
The cause of the blast remains unknown at the moment.
Earlier reports in Swiss news outlet Blick suggest it may have been caused by pyrotechnics during a concert.
Pic: AP
Is the incident being treated as terror-related?
No. Swiss authorities confirmed the incident is being treated as a fire and not an attack.
