"Swiss police have said "several tens of people" are presumed dead and about 100 are injured, most of them seriously, following a fire at a bar in an Alpine resort during a new year celebration. The incident occurred at around 1.30am local time on Thursday in Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, 25 miles north of the Matterhorn. Police said they cannot yet be more precise about fatalities as investigations continue at the scene and attempts are made to identify the victims and inform their families."
"Experts have not yet been able to go inside the building. Officials called the blaze an "embrasement generalise" - a firefighting term describing how a blaze can trigger the release of combustible gases that can then ignite violently. Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene to assist victims, including some from different countries. The injured are so numerous that the intensive care unit and operating theatre at the regional hospital has quickly hit full capacity, local officials said."
A fire broke out around 1.30am at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations. Swiss police report several tens of people are presumed dead and about 100 are injured, most seriously. Investigations are ongoing at the scene while authorities attempt to identify victims and inform families. Local officials say the cause is not yet known but have ruled out any kind of attack; experts have not been able to enter the building. Firefighters described an "embrasement generalise" risk where released combustible gases can ignite violently. Hospitals rapidly reached capacity and a reception centre and helpline have been set up.
Read at Irish Independent
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