King Charles has expressed profound sadness over a devastating fire at a Swiss ski resort that killed around 40 people and injured 115 during New Year's Eve celebrations. The blaze ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana early Thursday morning, turning what should have been a night of celebration into what the monarch described as a "nightmarish tragedy."
In a message sent to Switzerland's President, King Charles wrote: "My wife and I were appalled, and greatly saddened, to learn of the devastating fire last night in Crans-Montana, in Switzerland. It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such nightmarish tragedy. While offering our admiration for the heroic first responders and the selfless emergency services, we wanted, above all, to convey our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have been so dreadfully affected by this horrific disaster. Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of all those who have so tragically lost their lives and with those who remain in a critical condition in hospital."
What happened
The fire erupted around 1:30 AM local time at the basement nightclub. Witnesses told French broadcaster BFMTV they saw a male bartender lifting a female bartender holding a lit candle in a bottle. Flames then spread rapidly, collapsing the wooden ceiling.
A 16-year-old survivor from Paris described "total chaos" inside the bar. He told The Associated Press he was forced to break a window to escape and said two or three of his friends were missing. Despite losing his jacket, shoes, phone and bank card while fleeing, he said: "I am still alive and it's just stuff."
The bar featured wooden furnishings and foam ceiling material, with only one narrow staircase for escape. The confined exit created a deadly crush as panicked revellers tried to flee.
Investigation underway
Swiss authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire. Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud confirmed investigators have ruled out terrorism, stating: "At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack."
Police commander Frédéric Gisler said victim identification is underway but will take several days due to the severity of injuries. Authorities believe many victims are young people, with Swiss President Guy Parmelin describing it as "one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced."
International response
The tragedy has affected nationals from multiple countries. Italy's foreign ministry confirmed 16 Italian citizens are missing and around a dozen remain hospitalized with severe burns.
French President Emmanuel Macron offered France's support, posting on X: "The toll is devastating. Our thoughts are with the families. France is treating the injured in its hospitals and stands ready to provide any assistance."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged medical assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: "Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response. We will continue to monitor the situation, and our consular staff stand ready to support any British nationals who may be affected."
Context
Crans-Montana is an upscale Alpine resort popular with international tourists. The incident occurred less than two hours into New Year's Day celebrations at the packed Le Constellation bar.
Regional hospitals quickly reached full capacity, with 60 people receiving treatment in Sion and others transferred to facilities in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich.
Switzerland has declared five days of national mourning.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
