A major fire occurred in the eastern Swiss town of Thusis, resulting in the destruction of a building that housed both a restaurant and residential apartments. Local police reported that the emergency call was placed shortly after midnight. The blaze caused significant structural failure, leading to the collapse of the interior stairwell, which necessitated the use of a crane to gain access to the upper levels of the property.
Approximately 100 firefighters were deployed to the site to manage the blaze and conduct rescue operations. As of Friday morning, emergency crews remained active at the scene, working to fully extinguish the fire and navigate the compromised structure. The removal of the roof is being conducted in layers to allow responders to safely reach the interior areas where the missing individuals may be located.
According to the Graubünden cantonal police, 14 people managed to escape the building during the incident. Among those who exited, eight individuals sustained injuries. Medical reports indicate that two people are in serious condition, while others suffered moderate or minor injuries. The victims were transported to various healthcare facilities in Chur, Thusis, Ilanz, and Zurich for urgent treatment.
The building was reportedly occupied by a mix of residents, including a number of foreign nationals. Officials have noted that the search and recovery process is complex and could potentially span several days. In the event that human remains are recovered from the debris, authorities have confirmed that DNA testing will be utilized to facilitate formal identification.
Initial investigations by the Graubünden cantonal police suggest that the fire likely originated on the second floor of the structure. However, the exact cause of the ignition remains unknown at this time. The investigation is currently being managed by the cantonal police force in coordination with the public prosecutor's office.
The town of Thusis is situated within the Graubünden region, an area known for its popularity as a destination for seasonal sports and tourism. The scale of the emergency response reflects the severity of the damage to the residential complex. Authorities continue to prioritize the search for the five missing persons while securing the site for ongoing forensic analysis.
