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Several people have been killed and many others injured following a powerful explosion and fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, police said on Thursday.
Authorities have not yet released an exact death toll, describing the number of fatalities only as “several,” as rescue and identification efforts continue.
The explosion occurred at around 1:30 a.m. local time (00:30 GMT) at Le Constellation, a popular bar in the resort town, during what was reportedly a busy night with New Year celebrations. Local sources said that more than 100 people were inside the venue at the time of the blast.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, ambulances, and air rescue units, were rapidly dispatched to the scene. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control while medical teams treated the injured and evacuated survivors. Some of the wounded were transported to nearby hospitals, while others were airlifted due to the severity of their injuries.
Videos circulating on social media, apparently filmed from the street outside the bar, show flames raging inside the building as emergency crews battled the fire and secured the area. Authorities cordoned off the surrounding streets and urged residents and tourists to avoid the vicinity.
Police said the cause of the explosion remains unknown and that a full investigation has been launched. Specialists are examining whether a gas leak, technical malfunction, or other factors may have triggered the blast. Officials cautioned against speculation while forensic work is ongoing.
Crans-Montana, located in the Valais canton, is one of Switzerland’s most popular alpine resorts, particularly during the winter season, when it attracts large numbers of international visitors. The incident has shocked the local community and cast a shadow over what is typically a festive period for the resort.
Authorities said further information, including confirmed casualty figures and details on the cause of the explosion, will be released as soon as it becomes available. The investigation is ongoing. (ILKHA)
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