Several persons have been confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries following an explosion at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana, police authorities have said.
The explosion reportedly occurred at about 1:30 a.m. local time on New Year’s Day at the Constellation Bar, where revellers had gathered to celebrate the New Year.
In a statement, Swiss police said emergency services were immediately deployed to the scene, while investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the blast. The exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Unverified videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing part of a bar believed to be the affected location, as panic reportedly spread among those in the area.
Police also announced the activation of a helpline for families and relatives seeking information about those who may have been affected by the incident.
A spokesperson for the Valais Cantonal Police, who spoke to the BBC, said further details would be released in due course, adding that authorities were still working to establish the number of fatalities. When asked about the death toll, the spokesperson said only that “several” people had been killed.
Crans-Montana is a popular luxury ski resort located in the Swiss Alps, about two hours’ drive from Bern, the Swiss capital, and frequently attracts international tourists, especially during the festive season.
