Swiss police have confirmed that “several dozen” people have died in an explosion at a Swiss ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The blaze started at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana during the festivities. Social media footage shows massive clouds of smoke filling the sky following the incident, which occurred at 1.30am local time.
The commander of the Valais cantonal police said “several dozen” people were killed and “100 or so” injured. Some of the victims are from other countries, officials added in a press conference. They have not revealed exactly where they victims are from, but described the area as an “internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists”.
The area has now been closed off, with a no-fly zone in place over Crans-Montana.
Spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said: “We are seeing many injured and many dead. We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists.”
Local media is reporting that there were at least 100 people in the bar at the time of the explosion. Le Constellation Bar and Lounge reportedly has a capacity of 300.
Swiss police added that they have ruled out the possibility of an attack.
The president of the state council, Mathias Renard, said 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances responded to the fire. The Valais hospital intensive care unit is now full and patients are being transferred elsewhere.
He said: “Some of the injured people have been transferred to other university hospitals around Switzerland.
“Some of the casualties are currently being stabilised in intensive care and will be transferred to other university hospitals for treatment of major injuries.”
State councillor for Valais, Stephane Ganzer, added that hospitals “across the country” are dealing with the aftermath of the explosion.
He said: “Emergency services are out in force and working courageously. Hospitals across the country are dealing with an influx of injured people. To help them in their work, please avoid all risky activities today. Thank you on their behalf.”
