The fire in Crans-Montana

At least ten dead after explosion in ski resort in Switzerland – over a hundred in the venue

At least ten people have died after an explosion during a New Year's celebration at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, police tell Sky News.

According to information to the Swiss newspaper Le Nouvelliste, there are 40 dead and over a hundred injured.

It is unclear what is behind the explosion, which also triggered a large fire. Several people are also said to be injured.

Video clips from the scene appear to show the venue in flames after the incident.

According to Blick, over a hundred people were in the underground bar at the time of the explosion. 

Hospitals mobilize – flight ban over the ski resort

A number of hospitals have received patients after the violent fire at a bar in the Swiss tourist resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, reports RTS. A doctor is urging people to avoid risky activities to facilitate medical care.

A no-fly zone has also been established over the ski resort.

Police have confirmed that at least ten people are dead and ten are injured. According to unconfirmed information to the daily newspaper Le Nouvelliste, there are 40 dead and over a hundred injured.
A press conference is to be held at 10:00. 

Soon: Police hold a press conference about the fire

The Swiss police confirm to the British Sky News that ten people have been killed and several injured in the fire at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The police also rule out that the explosion that triggered the fire was terror-related. Starting at 10:00, they are expected to hold a press conference about the fire.

The explosion occurred at half past one on New Year's Eve. According to the BBC, the bar can accommodate up to 300 people, but it is unclear how many were in the premises when the fire broke out.

Right now: “Several dozen” dead and 100 injured – police hold press conference

Several dozen people have died in the fire in Crans-Montana, the police said during a press conference. At the same time, over a hundred injured people are being treated.

The victims of the fire disaster in Crans-Montana come from several different countries, the rescue service said.

The explosion occurred at half past one on New Year's Eve. According to the BBC, the bar can accommodate up to 300 people, but it is unclear how many were in the premises when the fire broke out.

Violent explosion in bar in Switzerland – many dead

TT

Updated 09.30 | Published 06.49

 

Rescue personnel on site in Crans-Montana. Photo: Maxime Schmid/AP/TT

At least ten people have died after an explosion in a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland, several media outlets report. The explosion led to a violent fire in connection with the New Year's celebration.

Several people are also injured, local police said early Thursday morning according to AFP.

Rescue operations are still underway, the police said in a press release at 8.30. The police will hold a press conference at 10 am local time on New Year's Day.

What caused the explosion is not yet known.

– An explosion has occurred, for unknown reasons, police spokesman Gaëtan Lathion told AFP.

Gaëtan Lathion stressed that the police investigation is still in its early stages.

– This is an internationally renowned ski resort with many tourists, he told the AP.

Police: Not a terrorist act

The explosion and subsequent fire occurred at 1:30 a.m. local time in the Le Constellation bar, which is a popular meeting place for many tourists at this time of year. More than 100 people, many young people, were reportedly in the bar when the fire broke out, police confirmed to Sky News. The police also confirmed to Sky News that it was not a terrorist act.