Death toll nears 50, at least 115 seriously injured; "Catastrophic tragedy" PHOTO/VIDEO

Gisler says that the police now believe that “around 40 people have died, and at least 115 have been injured,” many of them seriously.

Gisler said that this was “very emotional” for him, even as a police officer. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and outlined the chronology of events.

According to him:

• Smoke was noticed at 1:30 a.m.;

• A witness contacted the police a few seconds later;

• A red alert was declared, and emergency services were mobilized;

• At 1:32 p.m., the first police officers arrived at the scene;

• They provided assistance to the injured and transported them to hospitals;

• Firefighters “quickly” brought the fire under control;

• A hotline for families was opened at 4:14 p.m.

“Currently, we have around 40 people who have lost their lives and about 100 injured, many of them in very serious condition,” Gisler said.

He added that, given that this is an international ski resort, authorities believe that some of the victims are citizens of other countries.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana due to the tragedy.

Tajani: At least 47 dead

According to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the death toll is estimated at 47. He said he was in contact with Swiss authorities throughout the day.

Between 12 and 15 Italians have been hospitalized following the fire in Crans-Montana, in Valais, Tajani said. He added that the same number is still reported as missing.

Tajani also announced that the severe burn center in Niguarda, a suburb of Milan, will receive three people from Switzerland.

“Helicopters will take off from Lombardy to pick them up.”

This is expected to relieve pressure on Swiss hospitals.

“We do not know whether the injured who will arrive are Italian,” he added, emphasizing that this is a gesture of solidarity in facing this “catastrophic tragedy.”