King Charles has expressed his grief after a devastating fire at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps that 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 blaze tore through a packed bar in Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, according to official statements.
“My wife and I were shocked and very saddened to hear of the devastating fire last night in Crans-Montana, Switzerland,” His Majesty said. “It is absolutely heartbreaking that an evening of celebration for young people and families turned into such a nightmarish tragedy.”
The fire broke out around 1.30am local time at the Le Constellation bar, just as crowds were ringing in the new year. Swiss outlet Blick reported that the fire may have started when fireworks were set off inside during a concert, although authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause. Photos circulating on social media appeared to show a ceiling bursting into flames after a “servant held champagne bottle sparklers.”
Police believe around 40 people lost their lives, while around 100 others were injured, many critically. The victims have not yet been formally identified due to the severity of their burns, and officials confirmed that some of the dead were foreign nationals. The emergency services deployed 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to the scene.
King Charles praised those who responded to the disaster, saying: “While we admire the heroic first responders and the selfless emergency services, we wanted above all to extend our deepest sympathy to all those who have been so terribly affected by this terrible disaster.”
