Rabbi Yitzchak Levi Pevzner, shliach in Crans Montana, has been at the emergency center set up by the authorities, assisting community members and local residents after a deadly fire broke out at a nearby bar located in the same building complex as the shul.

“We heard a huge explosion at night and understood that something terrible had happened,” Rabbi Pevzner told Mako. “Within a short time, all the streets were filled with people, ambulances and emergency and rescue forces. It is a terrible disaster.”

“I’ve been receiving calls and messages from residents and friends in the community, asking how we are and hoping for good news,” he added. “There was concern that this might have been an attack aimed at the shul or the Jewish community, but that is not the case.”

“We all mobilized and came here to help in any way possible,” he said.

Swiss authorities have spoken of about 40 fatalities and about 115 injured, with a significant number of the injured classified as critical. Authorities also warned that identifying all victims may take several days. The area remains closed off as investigators continue working at the scene.

According to witness accounts included in the reports, the fire began when champagne bottles topped with sparklers were brought too close to the ceiling; including one account describing someone being lifted onto another person’s shoulders. With the ceiling described as wooden, witnesses said the flames spread within seconds. The incident was later followed by what officials described as a deflagration.

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said, “The possibility of an attack can be completely ruled out.” She added, “At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,” and said the preferred theory is “a widespread conflagration that caused a deflagration.”

Several members of the Jewish community were reported among the injured, although details were still being clarified at the time of writing. Two members of the Jewish community remain out of contact. ZAKA said it dispatched a special delegation to assist in the search for three missing Jews.

The Jewish community of Beit Yossef of Crans–Montana and Valais issued the following statement:

“We pray for all the victims and stand alongside their families, offering them all the support they need during these difficult times.

“We are in direct contact with the police, and the situation is currently under control. Law enforcement authorities are conducting a full inspection of the building before authorizing access once again.

“According to the authorities, this was an accidental fire that broke out in the bar located near the synagogue.

“The synagogue was not affected by the incident, without this in any way diminishing the seriousness of the events or the emotion they have caused.

“With prayers for the victims and the injured.”

ZAKA said it began mobilizing immediately upon receiving the reports, in coordination with local authorities, the Jewish community on the ground; and that dedicated logistical equipment is being sent to support continued activity.

Reuven Reuven, head of ZAKA logistics, said, “From the moment we received the reports, we immediately prepared to send logistical equipment to the field to enable teams from the area to operate with maximum speed and professionalism at the scene.”

Please say Tehilim for (Charlotte) Rivkah bas Marie Sophie, Jeremie James Haim ben Xavier Havivam, Alicia bas Dalia, and Diana bas Dalia Jeremie (who is currently in ICU).