Swiss Ski Resort Bar Explosion Kills Several, Overwhelms Hospitals on New Year's

The blast occurred around 1:30 am, Valais police spokesman Gaetan Lathion told the Keystone-SDA news agency, adding that the cause of the explosion remains unknown. He said more than 100 people were inside the restaurant at the time of the incident, underlining the scale of the emergency response that followed.

Emergency services rushed to the scene soon after the explosion, as authorities worked to evacuate those trapped inside the building. A helpline has since been set up for families and relatives of victims at the telephone number "084 811 21 17".

The impact of the incident was quickly felt beyond the immediate area. A doctor from the Rega air rescue service told French-language broadcaster RTS that hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland were struggling to cope with a surge of patients suffering from severe burns. The doctor urged the public to show solidarity and avoid risky activities on January 1.

As rescue operations continued, visuals circulating on social media, reportedly filmed from outside the Constellation Bar, showed flames burning inside the building while emergency responders converged on the site. The footage also captured numerous emergency vehicles arriving.

A witness told the broadcaster that "countless" ambulances, along with several helicopters, were deployed to evacuate and transport the injured, highlighting the seriousness of the injuries sustained.

While Swiss news outlet Blick reported that the blaze may have been triggered by fireworks during a New Year's Eve concert, Swiss police said the cause remains "unknown". According to SRF, the Valais cantonal police have scheduled a press conference for 10 am to provide further details on the incident and the ongoing investigation.

The incident took place in Crans-Montana, an upscale ski resort town located around two hours from Switzerland's capital, Bern.

- ANI