40 killed, 100 injured in blast at Switzerland’s bar during New Years Eve celebrations
An explosion at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, tragically killed and injured several people during New Year celebrations. The blast, of unknown origin, rocked the upscale ski resort in Valais canton. Emergency services are on scene, investigating the cause and aiding casualties, dampening festive spirits.
New Delhi: Around 40 people reportedly died and 100 others were left injured after an explosion rocked a bar full of people in the high-end Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Police in Switzerland’s southwestern canton of Valais said that a blast of unknown origin occurred in the early hours of the morning. Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesperson, was quoted as saying to AFP that the incident caused numerous casualties, including fatalities. "There has been an explosion of unknown origin. There are several injured, and several dead,” Lathion reportedly said.
Regional daily Le Nouvelliste said its sources were describing "a heavy toll", with "around 40 dead and 100 injured". Police also said the explosion is not being treated as terror-related.
A purported video of the incident is getting circulated on various social media platforms. Police said the blast occurred around 1:30 am local time at Le Constellation, a bar popular with tourists visiting the upscale ski resort.
Images shared by Swiss media showed flames engulfing part of the building housing the bar, with fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles deployed at the scene as emergency responders worked through the night, AFP report said.
Most of the casualties are believed to be tourists who had arrived in Crans-Montana for the holiday season. Police said more than 100 people were inside the bar when the explosion occurred.
Rescue and investigation efforts are still being carried out and emergency services is focusing on helping the injured, securing the site, and ascertaining the cause of the blast.
The explosion and subsequent blaze have dampened New Year festivities at the place, as officials continue to investigate and assess the full impact of the fire.