Mourners in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana held a vigil for the victims of fire in a bar on New Year's Eve. Hundreds gathered in silence in the freezing night. Authorities say around 40 people died in the blaze.

Crans-Montana

A vigil took place in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, following a deadly fire at a nightclub on New Year's Eve that resulted in dozens of fatalities. The incident has left both locals and tourists in shock, with eyewitnesses describing chaotic rescue efforts and severe injuries among those affected.

Authorities have ruled out deliberate attack or terrorism and are focusing on identifying the victims using dental and DNA records. The main street in the area remains closed as investigations continue, and officials emphasize the priority of returning the bodies to families as soon as possible.

Mourners gather for vigil after Swiss ski resort fire

A vigil for one of Switzerland's worst tragedies in recent history. The fire that killed dozens in a crowded bar on New Year's Eve leaves both locals and tourists in shock. We saw people with burns passing by us. We saw firemen and ambulance crews doing their job. They were resuscitating people. It was terrible. It was like a horror movie. I've never seen anything like it in my life. Then I lost my best friend who was in my arms. We tried to revive her. There were firefighters, there were police officers, everyone was everywhere. It was insane. It was insane. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. That's why now is the time for us to be together, for everyone to love each other. It's important. It was around 1.30 on New Year's Day when flames engulfed the bottom layer of the nightclub. Eyewitnesses say they saw sparklers light the wooden ceiling on fire. Local authorities have ruled out a deliberate attack or terrorism, but refuse to speculate on what caused the tragedy. Due to the investigation, the main street of Caen is closed until further notice. For the immediate future and for the days to come, the priority will be to identify the deceased so that their bodies can be quickly returned to their families. Authorities say that could take time. Experts are using dental and DNA records to identify the badly burnt bodies. For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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Dozens of people have been killed and 100 injured, most of them seriously, after a fire tore through a crowded bar during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss officials said.

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