What was intended to be a night of celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable horror early Thursday morning, as a massive fire tore through a crowded nightclub in the elite Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities say dozens of people are presumed dead, and approximately 100 others have been injured, many of them critically, after a blaze gutted the popular venue “Le Constellation” during a New Year’s Eve party.

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. local time in the heart of the exclusive Alpine haven, known for its panoramic views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene that unfolded in mere seconds. According to accounts provided to CNN affiliate BFMTV, the tragedy may have been sparked by pyrotechnics. Witnesses reported seeing waitresses carrying champagne bottles topped with lit sparklers; in one instance, a server was reportedly standing on another’s shoulders to reach the crowd. The flames reportedly licked the ceiling, igniting the interior almost instantly.

“Within about ten seconds, the entire nightclub was on fire,” one survivor recalled. “We all ran out screaming.”

The Swiss government launched a massive emergency operation, mobilizing 150 medical personnel, 40 ambulances, and 10 helicopters. The influx of casualties was so great that local operating theaters reached capacity, necessitating the use of three specialized jets to airlift severe burn victims to Zurich.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who began his term on Thursday, postponed his scheduled New Year’s address to the nation. “What should have been a moment of joy turned into a night of mourning,” he stated, acknowledging the international impact of the disaster given the resort’s status as a global tourist destination.

Prosecutor General Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that while the cause is under investigation, officials have ruled out terrorism. A no-fly zone has been established over the area to facilitate recovery efforts and forensic identification.

As the sun rose over the Valais Alps, images from the scene revealed the grim aftermath: a charred building skeleton, its furniture and debris destroyed. For now, the glamorous streets of Crans-Montana remain cordoned off as investigators begin the grim task of identifying the victims and returning them to their families.