The Foreign Office has stated its commitment to monitoring the situation following a tragic event at a Swiss ski resort popular among British tourists, where numerous individuals are feared deceased.
The exact number of casualties remains uncertain after an explosion occurred at a bar in the Alpine ski destination of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year’s festivities. Police have reported that 10 individuals lost their lives and approximately 100 others sustained injuries. However, authorities anticipate the final death toll to be considerably higher, with “several dozens” still unaccounted for.
The incident took place around 1:30 am at the Le Constellation bar, a favored spot among international visitors, and it is confirmed that some of the victims were foreign nationals.
Despite the tragedy, no requests for consular aid have been made by any British citizens or their families at this point. A spokesperson from the Mirror expressed condolences for those affected and recognized the efforts of the Swiss emergency services, assuring continued monitoring of the situation with consular staff prepared to assist any affected British nationals.
Survivors recounted to local media that the fire originated from a candle or sparkler igniting the wooden ceiling of the cellar, leading to a rapid spread of flames throughout the building, forcing partygoers to evacuate via a narrow stairway.
Authorities revealed in a press conference that “several dozens” have perished, with over 100 individuals hospitalized. Béatrice Pilloud, the Attorney General of the Valais region, mentioned the potential impact on foreign individuals in this tragic event.
The French foreign office confirmed that two of their citizens were injured in the incident and expressed sympathies to the victims’ families while pledging support to the Swiss authorities. Concurrently, the Italian foreign ministry was informed by Swiss authorities of at least 40 fatalities and 100 injuries. They are in the process of verifying if any Italian nationals were among the victims.
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