Photo: EPA
A deadly explosion struck a bar at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing and injuring multiple people, Swiss police said on Thursday, January 1, according to Reuters.
Local media, citing police, reported that at least ten people were killed, warning that the death toll could rise. Authorities said many others were receiving medical treatment for burns.
The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a bar popular with tourists. More than 100 people were inside the venue at the time of the explosion.
Police said the area surrounding the incident was completely sealed off, and a no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. A reception center and a hotline have been set up for victims and their families.
“We are only beginning the investigation, but this is a world-famous ski resort visited by many tourists,” said Gaetan Lation, a spokesperson for police in the southwestern canton of Valais, speaking to AFP.
