“An evening that was supposed to be a celebration turned into a nightmare.” These were the first words of Mathias Reynard, state councilor of the Canton of Valais and head of the department of health, social affairs and culture, speaking from Lens, Switzerland, during the press conference organized by the cantonal police of Valais following the tragedy which occurred around 1.30am on New Year’s Eve at the ‘Le Constellation’ bar, in the famous tourist and ski resort of Crans Montana.
“We have around a hundred injured people, all taken care of in four hospitals, Sion, Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich, many are in serious condition, and several dozen dead,” said Frèdèric Gisler, commander of the Valais cantonal police. The victims are not
identifiable due to the severe burns suffered.
Swiss authorities said some of the victims of the explosion came from other countries. Sky News writes this after the authorities’ press conference in Crans-Montana. No details were given about the exact nationalities, but police described the location as an “internationally renowned ski resort with many tourists.”
The press conference was also attended by Stephane Ganzer, state councilor of the Valais Liberal Party and head of the department of security, institutions and sport and Beatrice Pilloud, general prosecutor of the Canton of Valais.