AT LEAST 10 people have reportedly been killed in an explosion at a ski resort bar in Switzerland.
A blast ripped through the packed bar in Crans-Montana, Valais before a fire erupted as revellers welcomed in the New Year, police say.
Swiss police confirmed at least 10 people are dead with many injured after the blast, reports Sky News.
What we know so far…
- At least 10 killed with death toll likely to rise, cops fear
- Explosion erupted at around 1:30am followed by a fire
- Many injuries reported with hospitals “overwhelmed with burn victims”
- Not being treated as terror related
- No-fly zone in place across Crans-Montana
The death toll is likely to continue to rise, cops fear.
The deadly explosion, which was first reported at 1.30am local time (12.30am UK time), is not being treated as terror related.
More than 100 people were inside Le Constellation Bar and Lounge when the blast happened, Swiss radio station Rhone FM reports.
Footage taken outside the Alpine bar showed plumes of smoke billowing from the building as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.
The venue can hold up to 400 people with the bar reportedly being located in the basement.
A witness said that “countless” ambulances and several helicopters were deployed to take the injured to hospital.
A doctor in the Swiss air ambulance and rescue service broadcaster RTS that hospitals are “overwhelmed with burn victims”.
Police described the blast as an “explosion of unknown cause”.
Valais Cantonal Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said: “More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.
“We’re just at the beginning of our investigationbut this is a internationally renown ski resort with lots of tourists.”
A reception centre and helpline have been setup for impacted families, Lathion said.
The area surrounding the bar has been completely closed off with a no-fly zone imposed over Crans-Montana.
The luxury resort sits in the Swiss region of Valais, which is a popular holiday destination for Brits.
Tourists flock to the ski resort of Crans-Montana every winter for its 87 miles of skiing tracks.
They run down from the 2,927-metre peak at the Pointe de la Plaine Morte.
Valais sits just two hours away from the Swiss capital of Bern.
An official cause of the blast and fire is yet to be announced.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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