A major fire broke out on New Year's Eve at the Le Constellation bar located in the famous Swiss resort of Crans-Montana. As a result, at least 40 people were killed, and 80–115 people were hospitalized with burns of varying severity.
Although the official cause has not yet been announced, according to circulated photos and videos, the fire may have been caused by Bengal lights attached to champagne bottles. Witnesses say the ceiling caught fire quickly, the building's exits were narrow, and a stampede occurred in a short time.
Local residents interviewed by the BBC emphasized that people were screaming, calling for help, trying to get out, and some were burned alive. The injured were taken to hospitals in Switzerland, France, Italy, and Belgium.
An investigation into the incident is underway. Officials from France and Italy have confirmed that their citizens are among the dead and injured.
