King Charles has expressed his sadness over a devastating fire at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps which killed dozens of people during New Year’s celebrations.
In an official statement shared via Buckingham Palace in the early hours of January 2, the King shared his and Queen Camilla’s condolences after a fire ravaged a crowded bar in Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, according to official statements.
“My wife and I were dismayed and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating fire that occurred last night in Crans-Montana, Switzerland,” Her Majesty said. “It is absolutely heartbreaking that an evening of celebration for young people and families has turned into such a nightmarish tragedy. »
The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation bar, just as crowds were ringing in the new year. Swiss newspaper Blick reported that the fire may have started when fireworks were set off indoors during a concert, although authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show a ceiling catching fire after a “waiter waved a sparkler into a bottle of champagne”.
Police estimate that around 40 people lost their lives and around 100 others were injured, many seriously. The victims have not yet been formally identified due to the severity of their burns, and authorities have confirmed that some of the dead were foreign nationals. Emergency services deployed 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to the scene.
King Charles praised those who responded to the disaster, saying: “While offering our admiration for the heroic first responders and selfless emergency services, we wanted above all to express our deepest sympathy to all those who have been so terribly affected by this horrific disaster. »
