Deadly New Year’s Eve Blaze in Swiss Resort; Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York Mayor

New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana turned tragic when a fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar, killing about 40 people and injuring roughly 115, many gravely, police said. Officials said the blaze produced a flashover and at least one explosion that spread flames with lethal speed.

Authorities said victims came from multiple countries and noted the youth of many of those hurt; about 30 Italians were believed to have been at the bar and 16 were unaccounted for. Twenty-two severely burned people were taken to a Lausanne hospital, where officials said most were between about 16 and 26.

The Swiss president called the fire "one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced." Investigators ruled out terrorism but said it was too early to comment on the cause or on possible safety lapses. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor in a private ceremony at an abandoned subway station hours before a public inauguration outside City Hall.

Mamdani, 34, a democratic socialist, became the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. In his inaugural remarks he said, "There are many who will be watching. They want to know if the left can govern." Colleagues wrote that what comes next will determine whether he is seen as a catalyst for a new era or a failed idealist.

Key Topics

Sports, United States, World, Switzerland, Fire, Crans-montana, New York