GENEVA – The death toll from a devastating fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort town has risen to 47, while at least 115 people were injured, foreign media reported on Thursday.
The incident occurred during New Year’s Eve celebrations when a fire broke out at a crowded bar in the popular tourist destination. Swiss authorities said that several foreign nationals were among the victims.
According to the media reports, the blaze spread rapidly due to the bar’s wooden flooring. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was triggered by a waiter’s mistake, which led to an explosion and caused flames to engulf the premises within minutes.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition. Rescue and identification operations are ongoing.
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that eight French nationals are missing following the incident, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.
In response to the tragedy, the Swiss President announced that national flags would be flown at half-mast in the capital, Bern, for five days as a mark of mourning.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the bar fire, extending condolences to the Swiss government and the people of Switzerland.
He said Pakistan stands with Switzerland in this difficult time.
