Fire Devastates Swiss Alpine Town, Leaving Five Missing and Eight Injured
A sudden blaze erupted on the second floor of a restaurant with residential apartments in the Alpine town of Thusis on Thursday night, destroying the structure and leaving a community in distress. According to the Graubünden cantonal police, the fire began just after midnight local time (22:00 GMT) and was quickly surrounded by almost 100 firefighters who struggled to bring the flames under control.
The building’s roof was opened with a crane after the stairwell collapsed, a dramatic scene captured by police on the ground and shared with media outlets. Five people are still unaccounted for, while eight others were taken to hospitals in Chur, Thusis, Ilanz, and Zurich, with injuries ranging from minor cuts to more serious conditions.
The cause of the blaze is still unknown, with investigators from the police and public prosecutor’s office looking into potential fire origins, including electrical faults or accidental ignition. The incident comes at a time when the Swiss Alps—known for both winter sports and summer nature activities—are experiencing heightened concerns about buildings and safety standards amid increasing extreme weather events.
Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about emergency safety guidelines in the region. The authorities continue to provide updates as investigations progress.
