(Swiss, 2nd) On the 1st, an explosion occurred at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, resulting in about 40 deaths and 115 injuries. On the 2nd, investigators began the arduous task of identifying the victims’ bodies. Switzerland will observe five days of national mourning.
New Year’s fireworks shows in Lucerne and Verbier have been canceled due to the tragedy caused by the explosion and ensuing fire.
Lucerne is a major tourist city in Switzerland, and Verbier is a world-renowned Alpine resort and ski destination. Fireworks shows are a holiday tradition there.
According to reports, most of the revelers in the bar at the time were young people, and many suffered severe burns. Swiss officials said it may take several days to identify all the victims.
The cause of the fire remains to be clarified. Swiss authorities said the incident appears to be accidental rather than an attack.
Police have cordoned off the scene and stated that some bodies remain in the bar. They have pledged to work around the clock to identify all of the victims.