King Charles has expressed his deep sadness over a devastating fire at a Swiss ski resort bar that killed around 40 people and injured 115 during New Year's Eve celebrations. The blaze at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana erupted less than two hours after midnight on Thursday, transforming what should have been a night of celebration into one of Switzerland's worst tragedies.
The King sent a message to Switzerland's President stating: «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.»
He extended his «deepest possible sympathy» to those affected and offered «admiration for the heroic first responders and the selfless emergency services». His «most heartfelt thoughts and prayers» are with loved ones of the deceased and those in critical condition.
Investigation underway
Swiss authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause. Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais Canton attorney general, confirmed officials have ruled out any attack or terrorism. She stated: «At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack.»
Witnesses reported seeing waitresses serving champagne bottles with lit sparklers shortly before the fire. Two women told French broadcaster BFMTV they saw a male bartender lifting a female bartender holding a lit candle in a bottle. Flames spread rapidly, causing the wooden ceiling to collapse.
The fire likely triggered a flashover - where an entire room reaches extreme temperatures causing simultaneous ignition of combustible materials.
Escape difficulties
The basement nightclub had only one narrow staircase leading to the exit. A crowd surge occurred as over 100 people attempted to flee simultaneously.
Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old survivor, described «total chaos» inside the bar. He told the Associated Press he escaped but confirmed «two or three were missing» from his group of friends.
Another survivor told AFP news agency: «We were trapped, a lot of people were trapped. We couldn't see because of the smoke. We didn't know how we were going to get out.»
Young victims
Many victims are believed to be aged between 16 and 25. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the event as «one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced». He said the fire affected «young lives that were lost and interrupted» with their «projects, hopes and dreams».
Italy's foreign ministry reported 16 Italian citizens missing and around a dozen hospitalized with serious burns. France confirmed two French nationals were injured.
Medical response overwhelmed
Hospitals across western Switzerland are struggling to cope. The Valais hospital's intensive care unit reached full capacity, forcing authorities to transfer patients to facilities in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich. Ten helicopters and 40 ambulances transported victims to medical centers.
Authorities have warned victim identification could take weeks due to the severity of injuries. Frédéric Gisler, the Valais Canton police commander, confirmed the community is «devastated» by the tragedy.
Switzerland has declared five days of national mourning. 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.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
