The new year celebrations took a devastating turn early Thursday when a fire engulfed the bustling Le Constellation bar located in the luxurious ski resort of Crans-Montana. The tragic incident claimed the lives of dozens and left over 100 people injured.

In response to the disaster, the Swiss president described it as one of the nation’s most severe tragedies. Among the injured is a person from Australia.

Exclusive resort town reeling

The streets of Crans-Montana are filled with grief-stricken residents, many of whom are still reeling in shock from the tragic event that unfolded.

“The entire town remains in shock,” reported Sandro Zulian, a journalist from the Swiss news outlet Blick, during an interview with CNN.

“I’ve witnessed people breaking down in tears and sobbing. It’s a heart-wrenching scene here in Crans-Montana,” Zulian added.

Relatives of those missing are desperate for answers, particularly regarding the identities of the victims, Zulian noted.

Evidence suggests the bar may have been overcrowded with as many as 200 people inside, including teenagers as young as 15, he added, pointing to pictures and videos from inside the venue.

Zulian said it is still too early to tell who the victims are in what he described as “one of the biggest rescue operations in Swiss history”.