Authorities in Switzerland say several people have died and others have been injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Police said around 100 people were inside the venue when the blast occurred.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” said Gaetan Lathion, a spokesperson for police in the canton of Valais, speaking to AFP. “There are several injured, and several dead.”
The incident took place at approximately 1:30am (0030 GMT) inside Le Constellation, a bar popular with tourists and holiday visitors celebrating the New Year period.
“More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead,” Lathion added.
Authorities have sealed off the surrounding area and introduced a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana while emergency operations continue. Police said the cause of the blast and subsequent fire has not yet been determined.
Swiss media images showed the affected building engulfed in flames, with fire crews and emergency responders working at the scene.
The BBC also reported that several people had been killed and others injured, citing police statements.
A reception centre and helpline have been established to support affected families, according to officials.
“We are only at the beginning of our investigation,” Lathion said, noting that Crans-Montana is an internationally known ski destination that attracts large numbers of visitors during the winter season.
Police said a news conference has been scheduled for 10am to provide further updates.
Crans-Montana is located in the district of Sierre, in the canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn.
