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A fire broke out at a bar in a luxury Swiss Alpine ski resort during New Year’s celebrations early Thursday, leaving several people dead and many others
injured, according to Swiss police. The blaze erupted at around 1:30 am local time at Le Constellation, a bar in the resort municipality of Crans-Montana, police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said. “More than a hundred people were inside the building, and we are dealing with many injured and many fatalities,” he said, adding that investigators are working to establish the cause of the fire.
"We're just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists," Lathion said, according to AP.
Authorities have set up a reception centre and helpline to support affected families, while police scheduled a news conference in Crans-Montana for 10 am local time.
Officials said several dozen people are presumed dead, with more than 100 others injured in the incident.
About Switzerland's Crans-Montana Ski Town
Crans-Montana lies in southwestern Switzerland in the French-speaking canton of Valais and is a well-known holiday destination, drawing visitors year-round with its summer and winter activities, shopping, dining and panoramic Alpine views.
The resort is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn and roughly a two-hour drive from Switzerland’s capital, Bern.
The town boasts around 87 miles of trails and is particularly popular with British tourists.
With its nine lakes, Alpine forests and open meadows, Crans-Montana is especially picturesque in summer. In winter, it transforms into a major snow destination, offering ski slopes, glacier-plateau hiking routes, cross-country trails and toboggan runs, along with a snow park and one of Switzerland’s largest ice rinks located in the heart of the town.
Crans-Montana is also renowned for its world-class golf facilities set against a striking mountain backdrop. The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club hosts the annual Omega European Masters, one of the most scenic stops on the professional golf tour. The resort also features a golf academy and a year-round indoor golf centre.
