Photo Credit: Independent.co.uk

Crans-Montana, Switzerland — Several people were killed and others injured early Thursday after an explosion triggered a major fire at a popular bar in the Swiss Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, authorities said.

The blast occurred at around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a bar frequented by tourists in the luxury ski destination located in Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland. Revellers were gathered at the venue to celebrate the New Year when the incident happened.

“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” said Gaetan Lathion, a spokesperson for police in Wallis canton, speaking to AFP. “There are several injured, and several dead.”
Officials have not yet released an official death toll or confirmed the number of casualties, noting that figures were still being verified. Local media reported that police acknowledged fatalities and injuries but cautioned that details remain preliminary.

Images published by Swiss media showed the bar’s building engulfed in flames as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Firefighters worked through the early hours to bring the blaze under control, while police secured the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Authorities have not indicated whether the blast was accidental or linked to any other factors. An investigation is ongoing.

Credit: Independent.co.uk