Several dozen people are presumed to have died and more than 100 injured following a fire in a ski resort in southern Switzerland, officials have said.
Police said several nationalities were likely involved in the New Year's Day fire, which happened at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in a bar called Le Constellation in the resort of Crans-Montana.
It is being treated as a fire and there is no question of an attack, the region's chief prosecutor said.
A helpline has been set up for concerned families: +41 848 112 117.
At a news conference, police confirmed that several dozen people are presumed to have died in the fire, although it was too early to give a precise number. The Italian foreign ministry, citing Swiss police, indicated around 40 fatalities.
Intensive care units in local hospitals are reaching capacity, as most of the injured are suffering from severe burns. Emergency services deployed ten helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 emergency workers to the site to assist in the response.
As investigations proceed, questions surrounding the cause of the fire remain, with some reports suggesting an explosion may have preceded the flames. However, authorities emphasize that the nature of the incident is still being examined.
Le Constellation bar is a prominent gathering spot within the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort, regularly attracting both locals and tourists, particularly during the holiday season.
