Horror footage after explosion rips by means of ‘100-person New Year’s Eve get together’ in Swiss Alps
A major fire erupted at 1.30am the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana, Valais, during the New Year’s Eve festivities, with police confirming ‘at least 10 dead’
Harrowing footage shows the aftermath of an “explosion” at a packed Swiss ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Police have confirmed there are “at least 10 people dead” as the end of year celebrations in Crans Montana, Valais, ended in horror.
Authorities have said there “could have been at least 100 people” at the busy Le Constellation Bar and Lounge – where the explosion took place – during the festivities. The blast occurred at 1.30am local time, with a cops now declaring a “major emergency” and a “no fly-zone” over the area.
Footage shown by Sky shows the chaotic scenes after the explosion as crowds of people surge onto the streets, while massive flames erupt from the bar.
A police spokesperson said: “This is not a terrorist incident, there are investigations going on in every direction.”
When questioned about the possibility of foreign nationals being affected by the blast, the spokesperson confirmed: “There certainly would be.”
“The fire started around 1:30am this morning in a bar called ‘Le Constellation,'” said police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion.
“More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.”
Police say there could have been over 100 people at the celebrations last night, although the bar itself can hold “up to 300 people”.
A reception centre and helpline have been established for affected families, added Lathion. “We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists,” Lathion stated.
Social media footage shows the flames following the explosion at the bar. Investigations are currently underway as emergency crews work at the scene, with initial reports suggesting that the fire was caused by pyrotechnics during a concert.
Crans-Montana is a favourite winter spot for Brits with its 87 miles of ski slopes descending from the 2,927-metre peak at the Pointe de la Plaine Morte.
Reports have emerged of police putting up huge white screens as they continue their forensic work.
