Several killed in explosion at bar in Swiss

Several people have been killed and many others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the upscale Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said early Thursday. According to authorities, around 100 people were inside the bar when the blast occurred. The incident happened at about 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular venue with tourists, as New Year celebrations were underway. “There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” said Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesperson in the southwestern canton of Valais. “There are several fatalities and numerous injured.” E

Several people have been killed and many others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the upscale Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said early Thursday. According to authorities, around 100 people were inside the bar when the blast occurred. The incident happened at about 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular venue with tourists, as New Year celebrations were underway. “There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” said Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesperson in the southwestern canton of Valais. “There are several fatalities and numerous injured.” Emergency services rushed to the scene, while the area around the bar was fully sealed off. Police also imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana as rescue and investigation efforts continued. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Swiss media published images showing a building engulfed in flames, with firefighters and ambulances stationed nearby. The BBC, citing police sources, also confirmed reports of deaths and injuries resulting from the blast. Authorities have set up a reception centre and a helpline to support affected families and relatives. Investigators said it was still too early to draw conclusions, noting that Crans-Montana is an internationally known ski destination that attracts large numbers of visitors. Videos circulating on social media appear to show flames burning inside a building, filmed from a nearby road shortly after the explosion.