Several Feared Dead as Bar Explosion Rocks Swiss Ski Resort

 Geneva [Switzerland], Jan 1: A powerful explosion triggered a fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, leaving several people dead and dozens injured, with hospitals overwhelmed by burn victims, Swiss media reported.

The blast occurred around 1:30 am at a crowded bar, with more than 100 people inside at the time, Valais police spokesman Gaetan Lathion told the Keystone-SDA news agency. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and launched large-scale rescue and evacuation operations, while authorities set up a helpline for families and relatives of victims. Medical facilities across French-speaking Switzerland struggled to cope with the influx of severely injured patients, according to doctors from the Rega air rescue service.

Visuals circulating on social media showed flames engulfing parts of the building as numerous ambulances and helicopters ferried the injured to hospitals. Witnesses described “countless” emergency vehicles at the site.

While some media reports suggested fireworks used during New Year’s Eve celebrations may have triggered the blaze, police said the cause remains under investigation. The Valais cantonal police are scheduled to brief the media later in the day.

The incident occurred weeks ahead of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters later this month. (Agencies)