BBC Breakfast paused for breaking news as 'several' killed in deadly blast(Image: BBC)

BBC Breakfast paused for breaking news as 'several' killed in deadly blast

BBC Breakfast star Charlie Stayt announced news of a devastating explosion on New Year's Day

by · The Mirror

BBC Breakfast was paused for breaking news after "several" people were killed in a deadly blast on Thursday (January 1).

Charlie Stayt and Luxmy Gopal presented the popular morning show on New Year's Day, bringing viewers the latest developments from Britain and beyond.

Carol Kirkwood joined them in the studio to provide regular weather updates, whilst John Watson handled the sports coverage and Emma Vardy delivered news on energy price changes.

During the programme, Charlie disclosed that an explosion had occurred at a Swiss ski resort, resulting in the deaths of "several" people.

The incident happened at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, roughly two hours from Switzerland's capital, Bern, reports the Express.

Charlie Stayt shared devastating news on Thursday( Image: BBC)

"In the last half hour, police in Switzerland say several people have died and more are injured after an explosion at a ski resort," Charlie reported.

Correspondent Will Vernon, broadcasting live from the BBC newsroom, explained: "Well obviously, details are still coming in about this incident, but what we do know is that it took place in a bar in the town of Crans-Montana. The bar was called Le Constellation in this town.

"It's a pretty upmarket ski resort in the region of Valais in Switzerland. This is an area that's hugely popular with British tourists."

Will then relayed a statement from the Swiss authorities, which stated: "An explosion occurred at 1:30 local time in the 'Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland. Several people are dead and several injured, exact numbers unknown. A helpline for families of those affected has been set up."

An explosion has taken place at a Swiss ski resort( Image: BBC)

Will added: "The police said they would come back to us shortly with an update on that situation, so that's what we know so far."

Swiss authorities have subsequently issued an updated statement, confirming that a substantial emergency operation remains ongoing. "Numerous" police, fire and rescue teams are responding to the "many" casualties involved.

The impacted zone stays fully sealed off, whilst an aviation exclusion zone has been established above Crans-Montana.

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am