Major fire at a Swiss ski resort: several dead and injured

A fire in a bar at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left several dead and injured, according to the EFE news agency, citing police sources in the country. The fire was very intense, according to police, and started after several explosions. The alarm was raised around 1:30 a.m., and police, firefighters, and several helicopters quickly arrived at the scene.

"An explosion of unknown origin occurred in a bar in this resort at around 1:30 a.m. this morning," explained Gaëtan Lathion, spokesman for the Valais cantonal police. "There are several injured and several dead," he added, without being able to specify an exact number. According to police, more than 100 people were in the establishment at the time of the fire.

When the fire broke out, in this bar at the ski resort—which is called Le Constellation—a New Year's Eve party was being held. Crans-Montana is a luxury resort located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, approximately two hours from the Swiss capital of Bern.

Although the cause of the fire is still unknown, police are working on the hypothesis that it was an accident involving fireworks. By early morning, the situation was under control. Police are scheduled to hold a press conference at 10:00 AM to provide further details. It has been confirmed that there was an explicit ban in place on the use of fireworks and bonfires during New Year's Eve celebrations due to the drought affecting this part of the Alps, where snowfall has been lower than usual for this time of year.

Another tragic New Year's Eve in Germany

Two 18-year-olds have died in Germany during New Year's Eve celebrations. Both were handling homemade fireworks and suffered fatal injuries. In Germany, it is a tradition for people to set off fireworks during New Year's Eve festivities, a custom that generates debate every year due to the dangers involved in handling these products. The incidents occurred in Bielefeld, a town in western Germany, and both young people were 18 years old. "They used their own homemade fireworks without supervision in different locations throughout the city," police explained in a statement early this morning.