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.