Swiss Ski Resort Explosion: An explosion has tragically occurred in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans Montana, with lcoal media claiming at least 40 fatalities. However, an official confirmation of the same is yet to be made public by the authorities. The incident has prompted an immediate response from authorities in the popular alpine destination. Investigations are underway to determine the cause and exact details of the devastating event that claimed lives. More than 100 people were in the bar at the time of the explosion, Swiss media outlet Blick is reporting, citing a police spokesperson.
Crans-Montana is a luxury ski resort town located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, approximately two hours from the Swiss capital of Bern.
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According to BBC, the blast occurred at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in the Constellation Bar, police said in a statement to the BBC. Local media reported that police had confirmed fatalities and injuries, but an exact figure was not immediately available. When asked by the BBC how many people had been killed, the spokesman said: "We can’t say yet. Several." However, later, news agency AFP, citing local media reported the death of people.
Over 100 people in building when blast occured: Switzerland Police
“The fire started around 1:30 a.m. this morning in a bar called ‘Le Constellation,’” police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said. “More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.”
A reception center and helpline have been setup for impacted families, Lathion said.
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“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is a internationally renown ski resort with lots of tourists,” Lathion said.
A news conference was scheduled by police for 10 a.m. in Crans-Montana. The community is in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn.
(With inputs from agency)