Tragic explosion at the Crans-Montana resort. The cantonal authorities introduce a state of emergency
The Federal Council decided to declare a state of emergency from 9 on January 1.
How many people died in the explosion?
What actions are the authorities taking in Switzerland?
Do you know what caused the fire?
Are there Poles among the victims?
— Taking into account the scale of last night's event, the cantonal authorities have decided to declare a state of emergency – said councilor Stephane Ganzer during a press conference. — The new legal framework allows us to coordinate various actions on a large scale and spread them over time, as this situation is likely to persist for some time, he added.
Cantonal Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said it was also too early to determine the cause of the fire, as experts are not yet able to enter the destroyed building. “There is absolutely no question of any attack,” she said.
Witness accounts and preliminary findings of the investigation quoted by the Swiss television RTS show that the fire caused the explosion and not – as previously reported – it was its consequence.
10 helicopters and 40 ambulances were dispatched to the rescue operation. 150 medical workers are also taking part in the operation, local authorities said.
Tragic explosion in a Swiss ski resort. There are fatalitiesCatwalk Photos / Shutterstock
What do we know about the explosion?
According to the latest information, at least 40 people died and about 100 were injured as a result of an explosion and fire on New Year's Eve in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in southern Switzerland, the ANSA news agency reported.
Polish consular services in Switzerland are determining whether there are any Poles among the victims and injured in the fire, reports Polish Radio.
