According to the Valais police, a fire at a crowded bar in the Swiss Alps during New Year's Eve celebrations killed about 40 people and left 115 injured, many of them seriously.
Witnesses report that the victims were predominantly young people celebrating the New Year, with reports suggesting that foreign nationals may be among those affected. The Valais police have reached out to embassies to facilitate communication with families and provide updates as more details emerge.
During a press conference held in Sion, the capital of Valais canton, local authorities stated that the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Although multiple potential causes are being considered, terrorism has been largely ruled out, and officials currently suspect the incident was a tragic accident. No arrests have been made.
Chinese embassy officials in Switzerland have confirmed that, so far, there are no reports of Chinese nationals among the casualties.
The immediate priority, officials noted, is the forensic identification of the deceased and the transfer of remains to their families. Authorities emphasized that this process will take time, given the scale of the disaster.
To ensure safety and support the ongoing investigation, the entire town has been sealed off, and a no-fly zone has been established over the area. Police described the fire as one of Switzerland's most severe tragedies in recent decades.
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