New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- As many as 40 people have died and over 100 sustained serious injuries after a massive fire broke out a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana as people rang in the New Year. While the cause of the blaze has not been determined, initial reports have suggested that the fire may have started when pyrotechnics were used during a concert. Pyrotechnics is the technique of using combustible substances to create visible and audible effects.

Most victims have not been identified because of the severity of their burns. According to the reports, of the 100 wounded persons, most have received serious burn injuries after the New Year horror at the Swiss bar.

The authorities have set up a helpline for f...