Dozens killed, over 100 people injured after explosion rocks bar in Swiss ski resort

Dozens of people are presumed dead and over 100 were left injured after a fire at a Swiss Alps bar during a New Year’s celebration. Police said they could not immediately be more precise about how many people had been killed in the blaze, while local media reports estimated the number of deaths to be over 40.

The injured were so numerous that the intensive care unit and operating theatre at the regional hospital quickly hit full capacity, according to regional councillor Mathias Renard. Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene to assist victims, including some from different countries, officials said.

Local authorities further said that work is underway to identify the victims and inform their families, but “that will take time and for the time being, it is premature to give you a more precise figure.”