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: 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.