New Year's Nightmare! Bar Fire Kills Dozens – What Went Wrong?!

A celebratory New Year's Eve quickly turned into unimaginable horror in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, as a raging fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in the early hours of January 1st. The devastating blaze has left an estimated 40 people dead and a further 115 injured, according to authorities in Valais.

New Year's Nightmare! Bar Fire Kills Dozens – What...

The fire, which reportedly started shortly after midnight, triggered a massive response from emergency services. The scale of the tragedy is hard to fathom, especially on what should have been a night of joyous celebration. Swiss President Guy Parmelin didn't mince words, calling it "one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced," and I can't help but agree. It's a sentiment that I think resonates with everyone here.

Right now, the Cantonal Police of Valais, under the direction of the Public Prosecutor's Office, are deep into a criminal investigation to determine exactly what sparked this inferno. While the official cause remains undetermined, thankfully, authorities have swiftly dismissed any possibility of a terrorist connection. That's a small comfort in the face of such a loss.

"What should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, a tragedy that affects all of Switzerland and the world," President Parmelin stated in a somber online message. He also conveyed the Federal Council's "profound dismay" at the unfolding events. It really is a gut-wrenching situation. The president only assumed his rotating role on Thursday, imagine having to respond to a national tragedy like this so early in his term.

As a nation mourns, flags across Switzerland will fly at half-mast for the next five days, a visible symbol of respect and remembrance for those lost and affected by this catastrophe. It's a small gesture, but one that shows the collective grief felt throughout the country.

Stephane Ganzer, who heads up the Valais Cantonal Department of Security, Institutions and Sport, described the emergency response as "major," highlighting the deployment of 42 ambulances, 13 helicopters, and three disaster trucks. Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais state council, sadly revealed that many of the injured are in "serious condition." Our thoughts are with them and their families right now.

Crans-Montana, a popular ski destination nestled in Switzerland’s southern Sierre District, is now subject to a no-fly zone as the investigation continues. The usually bustling resort town is now shrouded in grief as the community grapples with this immense loss. The investigation is ongoing and will hopefully bring some sense of closure to the families and friends of the victims. I'll continue to update this story as more information becomes available. *(ABC News' Tom Soufi-Burridge contributed to this report.)*