Several people have been killed and dozens injured following a deadly explosion at a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
According to the BBC, the explosion occurred at about 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation bar in the Valais region, a popular destination for international tourists.
Police said more than 100 people were inside the venue when the blast triggered a fire.
A spokesperson for the Valais Cantonal Police confirmed that there were “several fatalities and several injured,” but noted that authorities were unable to immediately provide an exact death toll as rescue operations and victim identification were still ongoing.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, ambulances and air rescue teams, were deployed in large numbers to the scene.
The area surrounding the bar has been completely cordoned off, while a temporary no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana to allow rescue efforts to continue without disruption.
Images and videos circulating on social media and cited by Swiss media showed flames engulfing part of the building as emergency vehicles lined nearby streets.
Police said the cause of the explosion remains unknown, adding that reports speculating about fireworks or other pyrotechnic materials have not been officially confirmed.
Authorities have also established a helpline for families and friends seeking information about those affected.
A joint press briefing by the police and regional prosecutors is expected later as investigations continue to determine the cause of the blast.
Crans-Montana, located in southwestern Switzerland, is one of the country’s most exclusive ski resorts and is scheduled to host an international speed skiing World Cup event later this month.
Credit: The Whistleblower except headline
