Switzerland explosion latest: ‘Several dozen’ dead as fire rips through Crans Montana ski resort bar

French president Emmanuel Macron has offered his condolences following a fatal fire in a Swiss ski resort.

He wrote on X: “Deep emotion following the fire in Crans-Montana. My thoughts go to the bereaved families and the injured. To Switzerland, to its people and to its authorities, I convey the full solidarity of France and our fraternal support.”

Swiss President Guy Parmelin said in a social media post that the government’s “thoughts go to the victims, to the injured and their relatives, to whom it addresses its sincere condolences”.

Thursday is his first day in office as president as the seven members of Switzerland’s government take turns holding the presidency for one year.

Out of respect for the families of the victims, he delayed a traditional new year address to the nation meant to be broadcast on Thursday afternoon.

The Foreign Office said staff are ready to help any British nationals affected by the fatal fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland.

It is understood there have not been any requests for consular assistance from any UK nationals or their families so far.

In the statement, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, and our consular staff stand ready to support any British nationals who may be affected.”

Those in the popular Swiss ski resort of Valais have been urged to avoid risky activities as local hospitals hit full capacity.

10 helicopters and 40 ambulances rushed to the scene to assist victims in the early hours of New Years’ Day.

Regional councilor Mathias Rïnard said the intensive care unit and operating theater at the regional hospital quickly hit full capacity.

In a region busy with tourists skiing on the slopes, the authorities have called on the local population to show caution in the coming days to avoid any accidents that could require medical resources that are already overwhelmed.

Atate councillor for Valais Stephane Ganzer said: “Hospitals across the country are dealing with an influx of injured people.

“To help them in their work, please avoid all risky activities today. Thank you on their behalf.”

The British embassy in the Swiss capital of Bern have released a statement after today’s fatal fire.

It said it has not been approached for assistance, but staff “stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7”.

The statement on social media said: “Swiss emergency services are responding to a fire in Crans-Montana, with nationals from multiple countries likely affected. We continue to monitor the situation. Whilst we have not been approached for assistance, our staff stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7.

It has been reported that an explosion occurred at the site a fire ripped through a bar in Switzerland.

Officials have ruled out an attack, and instead called the blaze an “embrasement”.

This is a firefighting term describing how a blaze can trigger the release of combustible gases that can then ignite violently.

This causes what English-speaking firefighters would call a flashover or a backdraft.

Swiss authorities have said some victims of the fatal fire at a popular ski resort are from other countries.

Stephane Ganzer, head of security for the Valais region in Switzerland confirmed several nationalities are involved in a press conference on Thursday morning.

Swiss officials have ruled out the possibility of an attack having been the cause of the explosion and fire.

Beatrice Pilloud, prosecutor-general in Valais told a press conference on Thursday authorities are “currently we are favouring a fire and at no time is there question of any attack”.

Swiss Police have confirmed that “several dozen” people are believed to have been killed after an explosion sparked a fire at a bar in a popular Swiss ski resort.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning, the commander of the Valais cantonal police said they had identified 100 or so injured people, some of whom are seriously injured.

He added that “several dozen” people are believed to be dead.