Overview
- The blaze broke out around 01:30 at the Le Constellation lounge in Crans-Montana in the Swiss canton of Valais, according to local police.
- Authorities confirmed several deaths and injuries but declined to release precise numbers as the investigation proceeds.
- Swiss outlets including Le Nouvelliste reported unverified estimates of up to about 40 dead and at least 100 injured, with accounts of an explosion during the party.
- Media cite an accidental cause as the leading theory, pointing to possible careless use of pyrotechnics, with no indication of a deliberate attack.
- By morning the fire was brought under control, the area was cordoned off, a no-fly zone was imposed over the resort, and officials signaled updates would come at a press conference.