In brief
A building that served as a restaurant and apartment block in Thusis erupted in a fire at just after midnight on Thursday. Nearly 100 firefighters battled a blaze that tore the structure to pieces; the stairwell collapsed and the roof had to be opened with a crane. Five people remain missing and eight others suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor, according to Graubünden police. Police and prosecutors are investigating the cause of the fire while medical teams treated victims at hospitals in Chur, Thusis, Ilanz and Zurich.
Incident Details
At just after midnight local time on Thursday, a building that served as a restaurant and apartment block in the Swiss Alpine town of Thusis erupted in a blaze. Investigators say the fire began on the second floor, spreading rapidly and eventually demolishing the entire structure.
Emergency Response
Nearly 100 firefighters rushed to the scene, tackling a collapsed stairwell and a roof that had to be opened with a crane. The fire‑department coordinated with hospital teams across Chur, Thusis, Ilanz and Zurich to treat the injured.
Missing and Injured
Seven people remain missing: five of whom are believed to have been trapped inside the building. Eight others were injured, ranging from serious to minor cases. Fourteen people escaped the building, with two suffering serious injuries, two having moderate injuries and four reporting minor injuries.
Investigation
The Graubünden cantonal police and the public prosecutor’s office are still probing the cause of the fire. Police officials have not yet released a definitive explanation, but they are analysing fire‑scene evidence to determine whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate.
For more updates, stay tuned to RealTime Wire for live coverage of the unfolding situation and community chat that captures real‑time updates from witnesses.
