A devastating fire has ripped through a historic hotel in the heart of the Swiss Alps, sending thick plumes of smoke over the famous ski resort of Zermatt and triggering a large-scale emergency evacuation.
Historic Hotel Engulfed in Flames
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Hotel Post, a well-known and historic establishment in Zermatt. Local fire services were inundated with emergency calls just after 3:00 AM as flames quickly took hold of the wooden structure.
Authorities have confirmed that the fire spread with alarming speed due to the building's age and construction materials. More than 100 guests and staff were inside the hotel at the time the fire started. A major evacuation operation was immediately launched, with emergency crews working through the night to get everyone to safety.
Massive Emergency Response and Evacuations
The scale of the fire demanded a huge response. Firefighters from multiple surrounding regions were called in to assist the local Zermatt brigade. Despite the resort's remote, car-free location, crews managed to deploy significant resources to combat the inferno.
In a statement, police confirmed that the entire area around the Hotel Post was cordoned off. Nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precautionary measure, bringing the total number of displaced people into the hundreds. Fortunately, initial reports indicate no fatalities or serious injuries among guests, staff, or emergency responders.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be the subject of a full investigation once the site is safe to enter. The Hotel Post, a landmark for over a century, is believed to be a total loss.
Impact on a Premier Alpine Destination
The fire represents a significant blow to Zermatt, one of the world's most iconic ski and mountaineering destinations. The resort, located at the foot of the Matterhorn, is typically bustling with international tourists at this time of year.
While the main ski lifts and other hotel operations are continuing, the loss of the historic hotel and the disruption caused by the emergency response will have a marked impact. Local officials have expressed relief that the tragedy was not worse, given the time of night and the number of people present.
The community is now facing the aftermath, with support services mobilising to assist those who have lost their belongings and accommodation. The investigation into the fire's origin is expected to begin in the coming days.
