Approximately 40 people are believed to have died and 100 were injured in last night's fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The Italian Foreign Ministry reported this, citing information provided by the Valais cantonal police.
According to the statement, the victims are currently unidentifiable due to their severe burns. Authorities also indicate that the fire was not started intentionally.
Collection point and helpline: useful numbers
A collection point has been set up for family members at the “Le Regent” conference centre in Crans-Montana.
The Cantonal Police has activated a helpline at +41848112117, which can also be contacted from Italy.
“The terrorist possibility has been ruled out”
The explosion in the bar's basement does not appear to be a terrorist attack. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated, "An attack can absolutely be ruled out," as reported by Swiss media.
Already in the early hours of the day, the cantonal police had indicated that they ruled out the possibility of an attack.
Emergency services and hospitals: intensive care units "full"
Ten helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 first responders were dispatched to the scene. Most of the injured suffered serious burns and were transferred to the Valais hospital.
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The intensive care unit is “full,” said Mathias Reynard, president of the regional council, as reported by Sky News.
“Victims from different countries”
Swiss authorities reported that the victims of the explosion/fire included people from several countries. Their nationalities were not disclosed, but police noted that Crans-Montana is an international ski resort with a large tourist population.
Farnesina and Tajani: checks on any Italians
The Italian Ambassador to Switzerland and the Italian Consul General in Geneva are reportedly arriving in Crans-Montana. In Rome, the Farnesina has activated an operational unit with officials from the Crisis Unit and the unit for the protection of Italians abroad.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on X that he had expressed his closeness to his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis and that he was in contact with the Ambassador arriving at the scene of the accident: "Checks are underway for the possible involvement of our fellow citizens."
For reports, the Farnesina provides the following contact information:
Consulate/Italy in Geneva: 0041793253978
Crisis Unit: +39 0636225
Email: unita.crisi@esteri.it
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
What happened in Crans-Montana is truly tragic. The news I'm reading is very worrying, and I hope the authorities can do everything they can to help the victims and their families. It's important to understand what happened.