Overview
- The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations with more than 100 people inside.
- Authorities reported several dozen fatalities and about 100 injured, with Italy’s foreign ministry saying Swiss police believe roughly 40 people were killed as identification continues.
- Police sealed off the area and imposed a no-fly zone while a major operation with about 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and large rescue teams remained underway.
- Hospitals in the region reached intensive care capacity due to severe burns, triggering transfers to other facilities and public appeals to avoid risky activities.
- Prosecutors said the case is being treated as a fire, not an attack; investigators are assessing a possible link to pyrotechnics, and victims include foreign nationals.