A fire in a bar in Crans Montana has resulted in «dozens of fatalities» and around one hundred injuries, most of them serious, as confirmed by the Cantonal Police of Valais. At a press conference, the cantonal authorities revealed the first information about this tragedy, which occurred in a venue frequently visited by young people from the area, situated between Switzerland’s ski resorts. «We have recorded around one hundred injured persons, many in serious condition, as well as several dozen who have lost their lives,» stated Frederic Gisler, commander of the Cantonal Police of Valais. «Our priority is forensic medicine, which will assist us in identifying the deceased,» noted Beatrice Pilloud, Attorney General of the canton of Valais. The information gathered has led the authorities to rule out the possibility of an attack, as the explosion heard was caused by a fire. The authorities have also indicated that it is likely that several foreigners are among the victims, given that Crans Montana is a popular destination for skiers during the year-end season. The injured have been taken to various hospitals, and those in critical condition have been sent to the Hospital of Sion, where the operating rooms and intensive care unit are overwhelmed, according to Mathias Reynard, the health officer of the canton. Additionally, a support group has been established to provide assistance to the families and witnesses of the incident. The authorities have refrained from speculating on the causes of the fire until reliable information is available and have not answered questions about whether the establishment was compliant with safety regulations. According to testimonies from neighbours, the bar «Le Constellation» was located in a basement and accessed via a staircase, which may have complicated the escape of the victims. In response to this tragedy, more than ten helicopters, forty ambulances, and a total of 150 individuals, including firefighters, rescuers, and other professionals, were deployed.
