(Adnkronos) – At least forty people were killed and around a hundred injured in an explosion that shook the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana today, Tuesday 1 January, as reported by the Valais Cantonal Police, which speaks of a “non-arson fire”.
The flames would have started in the basement of the ‘Le Constellation’ bar, the police informs, while the New Year’s Eve celebrations were taking place around 1.30am. Unverified footage circulating on social media shows a fire broke out in a bar, where New Year’s Eve celebrations were taking place. Several helicopters and firefighters intervened on site to put out the fire. The causes of what happened are being investigated.
The authorities expect that foreign tourists will also be among the victims and injured in the famous ski resort of Crans-Montana. The police said that a telephone helpline has been set up for the families of those affected. Crans-Montana is a luxury ski resort located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, about two hours from the Swiss capital Bern. The explosion occurred while around two hundred people were present in the bar, a spokesperson for the cantonal police specified. The venue could accommodate 400 people.
The Attorney General of the Canton of Valais explained that it is still too early to say anything more specific about the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, hospital capacity in Valais is exhausted. Several patients were also transferred to hospitals outside the canton, in particular university hospitals. The Valais hospital is collaborating with other hospitals across the country to treat the injured.
The fire at the ‘Le Constellation’ bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana is believed to have been caused by a birthday candle or sparkler, attached to a bottle of champagne. When a woman lifted the bottle, the candle would set the ceiling on fire and the flames would spread quickly. The exact number of victims will not yet be made known. No information will be provided even on the identity of the victims. “It is too early for this,” authorities said. The Attorney General of the Canton of Valais, Beatrice Pilloud, announced the launch of an investigation into the causes of the fire. The Valais authorities are assisted by the Zurich Forensic Institute. The investigation also focuses on identifying the victims.
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent the following message to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin: “I learned with profound sadness the news of the explosion in the ski resort of Crans-Montana and its tragic consequences. I address a moving thought to the families of the numerous victims and sincerely wish the injured a speedy recovery”.
“In this sad circumstance, I would like to convey to you, Mr. President, the expressions of profound condolences and of the closeness of the Italian Republic and my personal ones” concludes the Head of State.
“The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, expresses, personally and on behalf of the Government, her deepest condolences for the dramatic fire that occurred in Switzerland, in Crans-Montana” states Palazzo Chigi.
“President Meloni is carefully following the evolution of the situation, keeping in close contact with the Vice President of the Council, Antonio Tajani, in order to obtain all the information on the incident and on the possible involvement of compatriots. He thanks the Civil Protection resources already operational and expresses his closeness to the families of the victims, the injured, the Swiss institutions and people”, adds Palazzo Chigi.
“We cannot exclude that there are Italians involved in this tragedy” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Sky Tg24. “The identification of the bodies will be long and complex, because many are severely charred. According to initial reconstructions, the fire broke out during a party attended by young people, but this aspect is also still being verified. Italy immediately showed its solidarity by offering medical and logistical support. I have had contact with the councilor Bertolaso and with the Swiss minister Castelli to ensure full Italian collaboration – continued the Foreign Minister -. Police and judiciary Swiss authorities exclude the possibility of an attack. It is an accident caused by a fire.” “The Italian government is following the evolution of the situation in Cras Montana minute by minute. Since the first morning I have informed the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with whom I am in constant contact. The Civil Protection of Val d’Aosta and the Lombardy Region are also in action, having made the Niguarda major burns center available”.
“The Farnesina and the Consulate in Geneva are following the situation in Crans-Montana, where some explosions and a serious fire in a restaurant have caused deaths and injuries” reports the Farnesina. “Checks are underway on the possible involvement of compatriots in conjunction with the local authorities – they explain -. The victims are not identifiable due to the serious burns suffered”.
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