Daijiworld Media Network - Switzerland
Switzerland, Jan 1: Tragedy struck the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana early Thursday as an explosion tore through a popular bar, leaving several people dead and many others injured, police confirmed.
The blast occurred around 1:30 am local time (0030 GMT) at Le Constellation, a bar frequented by tourists celebrating the New Year. Authorities described the cause of the explosion as unknown, and emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the site.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” said Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman for Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland. “There are several injured, and several dead. The intervention is still ongoing.”
Local media captured harrowing images of the bar engulfed in flames with rescue and emergency personnel at the scene. Authorities have not released an exact toll of fatalities and injuries, as rescue operations continue.
Crans-Montana, known for its upscale ski resorts and lively New Year celebrations, has been thrown into mourning as officials investigate the cause of the catastrophic incident.
Further details, including the identity of victims and the origin of the blast, are awaited.