Thusis: A major fire has destroyed a building containing a restaurant and apartments in the Swiss Alpine town of Thusis, leaving 5 people missing and 8 others injured.
The Graubünden Cantonal Police stated that building was completely destroyed by the blaze. Initial investigations indicate that the fire began on the second floor, while the exact cause remains under investigation.
Emergency services received the alert shortly after midnight local time. Nearly 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze and carry out rescue work at the heavily damaged property.
The operation became more difficult after the building’s stairwell collapsed. Firefighters used a crane to open the roof as crews worked to access the damaged structure and continue the search.
Police noted that 14 people managed to escape from the building. Among those injured, 2 suffered serious injuries and 2 sustained moderate injuries. Another 4 people suffered minor injuries following the blaze, adding to the number of people affected by the incident.
The injured were taken to hospitals in the neighbouring areas of Chur, Thusis, Ilanz and Zurich. Medical teams continued to provide treatment while emergency services remained at the scene. Five people remained unaccounted for following the fire. Authorities have continued efforts to establish the whereabouts of the missing individuals as recovery operations proceed.
The Graubünden region, also known as Grisons, is located in eastern Switzerland and is a popular destination for winter sports and summer nature activities. The fire has drawn a major emergency response to the Alpine town.
The Graubünden Cantonal Police and the public prosecutor’s office have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze. Investigators are examining how the fire started on the second floor and the circumstances that led to the destruction of the building.
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