Multiple Dead, Over 100 Injured in Switzerland Blast

Geneva, 1 January: The news of a blast in Switzerland on New Year’s Day has shocked the world. According to the latest information shared by the police, several dozen people have died in the explosion, while more than 100 have been injured and admitted to hospitals for treatment.

News agency Xinhua reported that local police stated a powerful blast occurred on Thursday at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort located in Valais canton in southwest Switzerland. There is a possibility of many casualties and around 100 injured in the incident.

Frederic Gisler, Police Chief of Valais canton, said in a press conference that those injured in the blast and the ensuing fire suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in Sion, the capital of Valais, as well as other cities for treatment.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blast, but the authorities have ruled out any attack. Local officials confirmed that helicopters and ambulances reached the site promptly. Intensive Care Units and operating rooms in local hospitals are operating at full capacity, and some helicopters have been brought from abroad to transfer patients to other hospitals for treatment.

Earlier, Valais police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion had said, “An explosion has occurred for reasons unknown. Several people have been killed and many injured.”

The police spokesperson added that the blast happened around 1:30 am local time in a popular bar named Le Constellation. People had gathered there to celebrate the New Year.

“It is believed that most of the deceased are tourists who had come to Crans-Montana during the holiday season. There were more than 100 people in the bar at the time of the blast. We are at the beginning stage of investigation. This is a world-famous ski resort attracting many tourists,” he said. However, local media reports claimed that at least 40 people died in the fire.

Local media outlet Blick reported that authorities have imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana due to rescue and investigation efforts. Police officials said that more than 100 people were inside the bar when the explosion happened. Swiss broadcaster RTS reported the blast took place in the basement of the bar, which has a total capacity of nearly 400 people.

Videos widely shared on social media platforms show thick smoke rising from the bar immediately after the blast, indicating the scale of the explosion and subsequent fire.

–

KK/DKP