A New Year's Eve celebration turned to tragedy in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a powerful explosion tore through a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Scene of Devastation
The blast occurred at approximately 1:30am local time in the basement of the Le Constellation bar, which was packed with revellers seeing in the new year. Several people have been confirmed dead following the explosion and subsequent fire.
Footage shared on social media, believed to have been filmed from the road outside the venue, showed flames engulfing parts of the building. The exact number of people inside at the time remains unknown, though the venue has a capacity for up to 400 people.
Cause Under Investigation
Authorities have stated that the cause of the blast is currently unclear and criminal activity is not suspected, according to reports from the French-language Swiss broadcaster RTS. Emergency services rushed to the scene in the Valais canton resort, which is notably popular with British tourists.
A source speaking to RTS described the incident as a 'major catastrophe' and suggested its scale could be comparable to the 2012 bus accident in Sierre, which claimed 28 lives.
Community in Shock
The explosion has sent shockwaves through the affluent alpine community, which is in the midst of its busy winter season. Crans-Montana is a well-known destination for international skiers and holidaymakers.
Investigations are ongoing as officials work to establish the precise sequence of events that led to the deadly blast. Further updates are expected throughout the day.
