One Portuguese woman was injured and another is missing following a fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
In a statement to Lusa news agency, the ministry said the condition of the injured woman is still unknown, with further details expected later today (January 2). Officials also confirmed that a second Portuguese woman is currently listed as missing.
According to the latest information from police in the Swiss canton of Valais, the fire broke out at a bar in Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, leaving around 40 people dead and at least 119 injured.
International media report that investigators are exploring several possible causes of the blaze and currently believe it may have been triggered by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, which were brought too close to the ceiling.
Newly released videos circulating on social media show scenes of panic and confusion as the fire broke out inside the bar, with customers rushing to escape the flames and smoke.
Multiple people are still missing, and authorities have admitted that identifying those killed “could take several days.”
