Around 40 people have died and at least 115 others have been injured following a fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, authorities have confirmed.

The fire broke out at approximately 01:30 local time at Le Constellation, a popular bar in the south-west Swiss resort. Emergency services were rapidly deployed after smoke was reported coming from the premises. Police have confirmed the incident is being treated as an accidental fire, with no indication of a deliberate attack.

Many of the injured suffered severe burns and have been transferred to hospitals across Switzerland, with additional specialist burn treatment offered in neighbouring Italy, France and Germany. Lausanne University Hospital has received more than 20 patients, most aged between 16 and 26.

Authorities believe victims include nationals from several countries. Italy has reported 16 citizens missing and more receiving hospital treatment, while France has confirmed several nationals may be among the injured or deceased. The UK Foreign Office has said it is monitoring the situation and has consular staff on standby.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” the country has experienced. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that EU medical assistance is being made available.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Regional officials said initial evidence does not suggest an explosion or criminal act. Witness accounts indicate the fire spread rapidly, with some reporting that interior materials ignited quickly and escape routes were difficult to navigate.

Le Constellation is a long-established venue that can reportedly accommodate up to 300 people. The New Year holiday period is one of the busiest times for Alpine resorts, and authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were inside the bar at the time of the fire.

Investigations are ongoing to identify victims and assess compliance with fire safety requirements.

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