Seoul: At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others injured after an explosion followed by a fire tore through a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, police said Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Swiss police informed Sky News that the death toll has risen to at least 10, with around 10 others injured, several of them seriously. Authorities have stated that the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
The explosion happened at around 1.30 am local time at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, a two-story venue that was hosting more than 100 people at the time. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, as reported by Swiss outlet Blick, which also cited a doctor saying dozens were injured.
Cantonal and municipal police, firefighters, and emergency medical teams were deployed to the scene, with several helicopters assisting in rescue operations. Emergency response efforts are still ongoing, and the area has been completely sealed off with a no-fly zone imposed to facilitate rescue operations.
A doctor with the Swiss air ambulance and rescue service informed national broadcaster RTS that nearby hospitals are overwhelmed with burn victims. Authorities have also set up a helpline for families seeking information about people who were in the Valais resort overnight.
Meanwhile, unverified reports on social media suggest that the fire may have been triggered by pyrotechnic devices used during a concert at the venue. However, police have not confirmed these claims. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday at 10 am local time, where authorities are expected to provide further details.