A devastating fire at a resort bar in the Swiss Alps has left at least 40 people dead and around 100 injured during a New Year's celebration. The blaze, which started in the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, is believed to have been caused by bar staff using sparklers in Champagne bottles. This tragic incident has sparked a frantic effort to determine if any Australians were present, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirming they are making urgent inquiries. The fire spread rapidly, potentially due to a 'flashover' event, where combustible gases ignited, causing the blaze to expand. Ten helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 first responders were deployed to assist the victims, many of whom suffered severe burns. The severity of the burns has made identification challenging, with the Italian foreign ministry reporting around 40 fatalities. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the tragedy as a moment of joy turned into a national and international tragedy. French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have offered their support. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with eyewitness accounts suggesting a sparkler in a Champagne bottle may have ignited the blaze. The bar's interior, mostly made of wood, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The area around the bar was cordoned off, and officials urged citizens and visitors to take extra caution to reduce the strain on hospitals and health services. Crans-Montana, a popular ski resort, is now dealing with the aftermath of this tragic event, which has left the community and the country in shock.
