At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 others injured, many of them critically, after a fire broke out at a bar during New Year’s celebrations at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps on Thursday.

The blaze occurred in the early hours at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, located in the canton of Valais. 

Authorities said the cause of the fire, as well as an explosion that followed, remains under investigation, but ruled out terrorism.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced” and postponed his New Year’s address to visit the scene.

The regional prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, said no suspects had been identified. “An investigation has been launched — not against anyone, but to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic fire,” she stated.

Many of the victims were young people who had gathered to welcome the New Year. “This tragedy occurred in a place that is naturally associated with life and joy,” President Parmelin said.

According to Frédéric Gisler, commander of the cantonal police, about 40 people died, and roughly 115 others were injured, most of them seriously. Smoke was first spotted around 1:30 a.m., prompting emergency calls shortly after.

Rescue efforts involved 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances transporting victims to hospitals. Medical facilities in the area were overwhelmed, with emergency wards and operating rooms reaching full capacity.

Local official Mathias Reynard urged residents to avoid obstructing emergency services, saying, “If you want to be useful, be careful.”

Several b¥rn victims were airlifted to Zurich, while 22 severely injured patients were taken to a hospital in Lausanne. Hospital officials said most survivors were aged between 16 and 26.

Authorities are still working to identify the victims. Given Crans-Montana’s popularity as a tourist destination, officials said foreign nationals are likely among the dead and injured.