Crans-Montana Blast LIVE: Dozens were killed and around a 100 people were injured as a blast ripped through a Switzerland bar on Thursday. Le Constellation in Crans-Montana had been hosting hundreds of revellers when the explosion brought New Year celebrations to a screeching halt. The incident took place around 1:30 am with a fire soon engulfing the building.
Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler told the media that “several tens of people” were dead without confirming details. Local media reports indicated that at least 40 people had been killed while many others suffered burns and other injuries. Gisler said work was underway to identify the victims and inform their families but warned that it would take some time to ascertain all details.
Terror angle ruled out
Officials are presently treating the blast as a fire incident but are yet to ascertain the cause of the fire. Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said it was too early to tell — adding that experts had not yet been able to go inside the wreckage.
“I would like to clarify that, at this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of (terror) attack. Out of respect for the families, I am unable to say any more at this time. We will communicate directly with the families of the victims,” the prosecutor added.
Hospital overflows, many foreign victims
The Luxury ski resort town of Crans-Montana is nestled within the Swiss Alps — some two hours from the capital city of Bern. It is a popular holiday spot and officials have already confirmed that some of the victims are from other countries. Officials said that the area has been completely closed off, and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana following the blast.
Police had earlier said that many people were also being treated for burns and remained in a serious condition. Mathias Reynard — the head of the cantonal government — said patients being transferred elsewhere as the Valais hospital intensive care unit was full. Authorities said 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances had been mobilised.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Skiers in Crans-Montana told to be careful as hospitals at full capacity
Skiers in the Crans-Montana area are being urged to be careful on the slopes today.
Hospitals have reached their maximum capacity after the fire at Le Constellation bar in the early hours of the morning, several reports claimed.
"As the Zerodix staff have been heavily involved and affected, we have decided to close the establishment today," a statement from the ski resort said.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Ski resort fire is 'tragic loss', says Swiss Federation President
The deadly fire in a ski resort in Switzerland represents a “tragic loss,” Guy Parmelin, president of the Swiss Confederation, said as he offered his condolences to victims and their families.
“What should have been a happy occasion on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana has turned into a tragic loss that touches the whole country and far beyond,” Parmelin wrote on in a statement on X.
Two French women who claim to have escaped from Le Constellation after the fire broke out have spoken to BFMTV.
According to them, the fire originated from one of the "birthday candles" placed by waitresses on champagne bottles.
"One of them was brought too close to the ceiling, which caught fire. In a few dozen seconds, the whole ceiling was on fire. Everything was made of wood," one of the women said.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Milan's Niguarda Hospital has made its major burns unit available to help treat the injured.
He also said emergency services in the Aosta Valley region, which borders Switzerland's Valais region, are standing ready to help out their Swiss counterparts. The death toll has crossed 40.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: It will take weeks to identify the dead, says Italian ambassador
The Italian ambassador to Switzerland said it will take weeks to identify the dead from the fire in Crans-Montana.
He was speaking on Italian TV from the scene, where he is now with staff from the consulate in Geneva.
Earlier, the Italian Foreign Minister had said the identification of victims would be complex and require time, due to the severe burns, according to BBC.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: France pledges 'fraternal support' to Switzerland after fire
French President Emmanuel Macron has posted a statement on social media after the fire in Switzerland.
"Deep emotion following the fire in Crans-Montana," he wrote on social media.
"My thoughts go to the bereaved families and the injured. To Switzerland, to its people and to its authorities, I convey the full solidarity of France and our fraternal support."
Earlier, it was confirmed that two French nationals are among those injured.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: State of emergency declared
Switzerland's State Council has declared a state of emergency following the explosion in Crans-Montana.
"Given the seriousness of the situation and the events of last night, the State Council decided this morning to declare a special situation, as permitted by the Law on the Protection of the Population," Stephane Ganzer, state councillor of Valais, told the news conference.
"This legal provision allows us to coordinate the various resources - massive resources - and to defer them over time, since we are facing an event that will mobilise several coordinating forces and that will last for a long time."
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Swiss federal president postpones New Year's address
Switzerland's federal president has postponed his New Year's address after the fire in Crans-Montana, according to Swiss media.
Guy Parmelin is taking the move out of respect for the victims' families.
He has also posted on social media to express his "profound dismay".
"What should have been a moment of joy turned, in the night in Crans-Montana, into a mourning that affects the whole of Switzerland and abroad," he said.
The statement added that Parmelin's thoughts "are with the victims, the injured, and their families".
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: UK embassy ready to support British nationals
The UK embassy in the Swiss capital of Bern has posted on social media saying it is monitoring the situation.
It notes that nationals from multiple countries are likely affected, but says it hasn't been approached for assistance.
"Our staff stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7," the statement said.
"If you are a British national in need of consular assistance, you can call us 24/7 on +44 (0) 20 7008 5000.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: What do we know about the Constellation bar?
The Constellation lounge bar, where the deadly fire at Crans-Montana broke out, lies at the very heart of the luxury ski resort, just a short walk from the bottom station of the lift that takes skiers up into the mountains, CNN reported.
According to a description of the bar on the ski resort’s official website, the establishment has a capacity of 300 people with a terrace space for 40.
A cafe offering coffee and pastries during the day, the Constellation has two bars and a dedicated shisha smoking area, according to the website.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Fire caused what witnesses described as an explosion, says state council member
The deadly fire that ripped through a crowded bar at Crans-Montana caused what witnesses described initially as an “explosion,” a state council member said on Thursday.
“Witness accounts and investigation show that it was the fire that caused the air in the venue to burst into flames,” Valais State Council member Stephane Ganzer said alongside officials during a press briefing.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Cause not yet determined as investigation will 'take a lot of time,' says prosecutor
Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said it is too soon to determine the cause of the explosion at the Constellation bar.
Responding to a question at a press briefing, she explained, “I am so sorry to say it again, we’re very early in the investigation. This will take a lot of time and experts will only be able to intervene when the venue is secured.”
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Tragedy being treated as a fire, not a terror attack, says prosecutor
Officials are treating the incident at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana as a fire, not a terror attack.
“I would like to clarify that, at this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of (terror) attack,” prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said.
“Out of respect for the families, I am unable to say any more at this time. We will communicate directly with the families of the victims,” she added.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances mobilized, Swiss authorities say
Ten helicopters and 40 ambulances were mobilised to attend the deadly incident during New Year’s Eve celebrations, Swiss authorities told a press conference on Thursday.
In addition, 150 medical personnel were mobilized, Mathias Reynard, Valais Canton State Council President said.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: At least 40 dead, says Swiss media
Local media reports updated the death toll to indicate that at least 40 people had been killed. Many others suffered burns and injuries.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: At least 10 killed, many being treated for burns
Citing police, Sky News reported that at least 10 people had died in the incident, with some local media saying the figure may be higher. A police spokesperson declined to confirm the number, but said many people were being treated for burns.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Police release new statement - 'Many' affected
The Swiss police have released a fresh statement --- noting that a major emergency response remained underway. A BBC report quoted officials as saying that there were "numerous" police, fire and rescue services responding to the "many" individuals affected. The entire area remains cordoned off.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: No fly zone imposed over Crans Montana
According to a Reuters update citing the Swiss police, the area has been completely closed off. A no-fly zone has been imposed over the resort town of Crans Montana.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Videos show building engulfed in flames | Watch
Unverified videos have now gone viral on social media platforms --- showing the building engulfed in flames. Officials have not released any details about the explosion at this time.
Switzerland Blast LIVE Updates: Over 100 people inside bar when blast occurred
According to a police spokesperson, there were more than one hundred people were inside the restaurant at the time of the explosion. Police and fire crews, as well as several helicopters, were deployed to the scene. A hotline has been set up for relatives.
Switzerland Blast LIVE: Did pyrotechnics cause explosion?
Social media reports indicate an explosion occurred during a concert. Unconfirmed reports suggest that pyrotechnics may have been involved. Police have not yet confirmed these claims.
Switzerland Blast LIVE: 'Explosion of unknown cause'
According to local media reports, the incident occurred at the "Le Constellation Bar," where guests were celebrating the start of the new year. According to police, an "explosion of unknown cause" had triggered a fire around 1:30 am. It was brought under control within a few hours.