Several individuals perished in a blast at a Crans-Montana ski resort venue, Valais cantonal police confirmed to Blick. Additional victims sustained injuries, a police spokesperson stated early Thursday.
RhoneFM, a local station, indicated that pyrotechnic devices potentially triggered the catastrophe, according to Blick. Multiple individuals reportedly corroborated this assessment to the broadcaster. Casualty projections appear severe, with RhoneFM suggesting possibly dozens of deaths, while one unidentified source mentioned could reach up to 40 victims.
The tragedy occurred at Le Constellation Bar, where patrons marked the new year, Blick reported. Officials stated an explosion of unexplained origin detonated at the site, igniting flames. Emergency services received alerts around 1:30 a.m., spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion confirmed. Responders had contained the fire by morning.
Operations continue, Kapo Wallis stated in a press bulletin, according to Blick. Authorities completely sealed the surrounding territory. Officials also established flight restrictions above Crans-Montana. Authorities initially declined to release casualty statistics, including fatalities, wounded, and severely injured individuals, Blick reported. Inquiries into the explosion's origin remain active.
The venue held more than 100 guests when the detonation erupted, the police representative informed Blick. RTS indicated the blast originated in the establishment's lower level. The bar accommodated 400 people at capacity.
Law enforcement, fire units, and multiple helicopters deployed to the disaster zone, according to Blick. Officials established a dedicated hotline for relatives. A Blick correspondent traveling to the scene observed multiple medical vehicles rushing toward Crans-Montana, including units from adjacent cantons.
Flight monitoring systems showed a Rega helicopter arriving at the incident site, Blick reported. Social platforms reference an explosion during a performance, according to Blick. Unverified reports suggest pyrotechnic materials might have contributed. Authorities have not confirmed these accounts, Blick reported
