Dozens killed in fire at Swiss Alps bar during New Year's celebration

A fire at a Swiss ski resort overnight killed dozens of people and injured more than a hundred. Teri Schultz reports the authorities have not yet identified the cause of the blaze.

TERI SCHULTZ: Swiss authorities say it's too early to know what caused a fire to break out around 1:30 a.m. in a bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort in the heart of the Alps. But they are emphasizing they can already confirm it was not the result of an attack and that early reports it was caused by an explosion were incorrect. In a press conference, council President Mathias Reynard thanked what he described as a swift and comprehensive response by police, fire and emergency services.

MATHIAS REYNARD: (Through interpreter) It was a mobilization of all our resources that took place during the last hours - 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, 150 health workers to whom we should pay tribute and give thanks.

SCHULTZ: Reynard said the majority of the hundred or so people who'd been injured were badly hurt and that the local hospital was filled to capacity. He said many of the injured had already been transferred to nearby facilities. It's believed the victims are of many different nationalities. District prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud declined to speculate on whether proper fire safety measures were in place in the bar. She said she would not say more at this stage out of respect for the victims and their families.

BEATRICE PILLOUD: (Through interpreter) We're going to absolutely do everything possible on the part of the public prosecutor's office to uncover the circumstances of this tragedy.

SCHULTZ: Pilloud says significant forensic resources are being devoted to the investigation and that the area will be closed now, perhaps for several days, to allow the work to continue. Council President Reynard says there are important ways the public can help in this crucial time by simply being careful.

REYNARD: (Through interpreter) If the population wants to show solidarity and be useful today, you have to be prudent during the hours that follow. Our resources are being overused in our hospitals.

SCHULTZ: He urged them not to add more disasters to the tragedy that has already occurred.

For NPR News, I'm Teri Schultz. (SOUNDBITE OF BRAMBLES' "TO SPEAK OF SOLITUDE")

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