There have reportedly been “at least 40” deaths following a fire at a Swiss ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The blaze started at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana during the festivities. Social media footage shows massive clouds of smoke filling the sky following the incident, which occurred at 1.30am local time.
The Italian foreign ministry said, according to local authorities, that at least 40 people were killed. The commander of the Valais cantonal police added that “100 or so” have been injured. The area has now been closed off, with a no-fly zone in place over Crans-Montana.
Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said: “We are seeing many injured and many dead. We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists.”
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