Switzerland – Dozens of people are feared dead following a major explosion at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations.
Police said the blast happened at around 1:30am on New Year’s Day at a venue known as the Constellation. The bar was crowded at the time, with Swiss media reporting that more than 100 people were inside when the explosion occurred.
Videos shared online, which have not been independently verified, show a large fire at the scene as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze. Authorities have since sealed off the surrounding area, and a no-fly zone has been put in place over the resort to support rescue and investigation efforts, according to Reuters.
While police have not officially confirmed the number of fatalities, Italy’s foreign ministry, citing Swiss police sources, said around 40 people may have been killed. The BBC reported that at least 100 people were injured, many of them suffering burns.
A police spokesperson declined to give confirmed casualty figures but said numerous victims were receiving medical treatment. Swiss broadcaster RTS reported that the explosion is believed to have started in the basement of the bar, sparking the fire that followed.
Investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the explosion as emergency services remain on site.
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