Crans-Montana: Several dozen dead and 100 injured after fire at Swiss ski resort bar

Several dozen people have been killed and 100 others injured after a fire erupted at a bar in a Swiss ski resort.

The blaze began just after 1.30am, sending New Year’s revellers running.

Footage circulating on social media purportedly of the fire at Le Constellation Bar at the luxury Crans-Montana resort show flames ravaging the building. The bar is located in the basement.

Initial reports said the flames had been caused by an explosion, but authorities have since said the cause of the fire is unknown.

Frederic Gisler, a police commander, confirmed several dozen people lost their lives and approximately 100 more are injured according to The Mirror.

“Fire fighters secured the site quickly, police put in place a location to receive victims and care for families, a helpline was set up to support victims and loved ones,” he said.

“All injured are receiving care, there are 100 or so injured people, some of them significantly injured, and several dozen people have died. Currently the central street in Crans is closed for the investigation.”

Local media, including Logo Nouvelleliste have reported a death toll of up to 40 people, but this is yet to be confirmed by police.

Initial reports said about 100 people were inside at the time of the incident, but with the current approximate death toll and injury figures, it appears more people were inside. The venue could hold up to 400 people.

It is not known what caused the explosion, but local reports suggest pyrotechnics.

Local media have reported the bar only had one entry and exit which made evacuation more difficult.

A no-fly zone is in place over Crans-Montana, an upmarket ski resort located in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the country’s Valais region and is popular with British tourists.

Mathias Renard, the president of the region’s council shared condolences at a press conference on Thursday.

“The evening should have been a celebration, a coming together but it turned into a nightmare, with people injured seriously and it has cost the lives of many people,” Mr Renard said.

“Our thoughts are with the people who are injured and affected while the local government recognises those working through night and will continue to do so over the coming days.”