40 dead after fire at ski resort
Beri Zangan
An explosion and subsequent fire have occurred at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps.
"Several dozen" people are reported to have died - according to local media, at least 40 people.
Another 100 people are injured and several people from other countries are among the victims, according to the police.
An explosion occurred at 01.30 last night at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps, several Swiss media write, which is said to have triggered a fire.
Over a hundred people are said to have been in the building, where the new year was celebrated.
The police stated this morning to Sky News that at least ten people are dead and another ten injured. At a press conference, the police stated that “dozens” of people had died. Local media reported that the death toll was believed to be around 40.
Prime Minister Mathias Renard expressed his condolences to the families of the victims at the press conference.
“We also express our thoughts to those who are injured, in many cases seriously,” he said.
In addition to those who died, around 100 people were injured in the fire, many of whom are said to have suffered severe burns.
Some of the victims from other countries
Hospitals throughout Switzerland are now dealing with an “influx of injured people,” a press conference was reported.
The area has been completely cordoned off and a flight ban has been imposed over Crans-Montana. At the press conference, the authorities said that several of the victims were from other countries but did not specify which ones. The police described the area as “an international ski resort with many tourists.”
The Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud says that an investigation is underway "to identify the circumstances that caused this dramatic situation".
Blick writes that the fire may have been caused by pyrotechnics during a concert, but no cause of the fire has yet been determined.
At the press conference, police spokesman Gaëtan Lathion says that it is unknown what caused the explosion. He also emphasizes that the police investigation is at an early stage.
No information about affected Swedes
During the press conference, it was emphasized that it is not believed to be an attack or terrorist act, but an accident.
Rescue services and ambulance personnel are on site to take care of the injured, Swiss media write. During the rescue operation, 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 people from the emergency services participated.
Aftonbladet has contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has no information about affected Swedes
" The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been reached by the information. The embassy in Bern is in continuous contact with local authorities to seek more information. At present, we have no information about affected Swedes," the press service writes in an email.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar