Restaurant fire in Thusis GR: Five people missing

Five people are missing following the fire. No confirmed information about their whereabouts or condition was available in the early morning. The police said it would provide further details as soon as the situation at the scene allowed.

Investigation into the cause of the fire

The Graubünden cantonal police have begun investigating the cause of the fire. Experts secured evidence at the scene as soon as the fire brigade was able to release the affected areas. Weather conditions and the exact location of the seat of the fire could affect the course of the investigation.

Thusis is located in the canton of Graubünden and is connected by road and rail via the Thusis Gorge to the city of Thusis on the north-south route. Because the emergency and investigative work was ongoing, traffic disruptions occurred in the area surrounding the fire site.

Traffic and closures around Thusis

Residents were urged to avoid the area of the fire and take a wide detour. The operations command coordinated traffic via Schiers, the main road to Thusis GR and alternative routes via Chur and Surselva, in order to keep the route clear for rescue and emergency vehicles.

Rescue personnel from the Mittelbünden region took part in the search for the five missing people. In addition to breathing apparatus and fire engines, thermal imaging cameras and search dogs were deployed. The Mittelbünden rescue services worked closely with the fire brigades and police.

Search for the missing and support for relatives

The police set up an information point for concerned relatives. In addition to Thusis, the locality of Oberer Heinzenberg and the municipality of Cazis, contact points for information from the public were established. An information hotline for relatives was also due to remain active from midnight and throughout the day.

Personnel from Ilanz and other surrounding municipalities were also deployed, arriving via the Thusis–Chur axis and via Surselva–Ilanz. Specialist personnel were also dispatched from Zurich to the fire scene to support the Graubünden emergency teams in securing evidence and determining the cause.

The Graubünden cantonal police announced that a further media update would be provided later on Friday morning. Information on the progress of the firefighting operations, the search for the missing and the results of the initial forensic investigations was due to be published then.

The municipality of Thusis GR offered accommodation and meals to affected families and residents in a nearby hall. Initial psychological support was available through the Mittelbünden rescue services. The authorities asked the public to follow official communications and not to spread rumours on social media.