A devastating explosion tore through a crowded bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year's Day, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
Chaos in the Early Hours
Swiss police confirmed the tragic incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am local time (0030 GMT) on Thursday. The blast ripped through Le Constellation, a bar known for its popularity with tourists and locals in the luxury Alpine destination.
Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion from the Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland stated the explosion was of "unknown origin." He revealed that the bar was packed with revellers celebrating the new year, with an estimated 100 people inside the building at the time.
Significant Casualty Toll
The aftermath of the explosion was severe. Authorities reported "several injured, and several dead" in their initial assessment. Lathion provided a grim update, noting, "We are seeing many injured and many dead."
Emergency services rushed to the scene in the popular resort town, which is a favourite for international visitors seeking winter sports and luxury amenities. The scale of the incident has shocked the local community and the wider region.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
Police have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. The focus remains on securing the scene, assisting the injured, and accounting for all individuals present.
As a major incident, updates are expected from Swiss police throughout the day. The explosion at Le Constellation bar has cast a shadow over the New Year celebrations in the normally tranquil and prestigious resort of Crans-Montana.
