Switzerland Fire: 'Massive Blast At Crans-Montana Bar Kills Several Dozen, Not A Terror Attack' | What We Know So Far

Switzerland Fire: A massive explosion that triggered fire at a Cras-Montana bar in the Swiss Alps has left more than 40 people dead and many injured during New Year's celebrations, news agency AFP reported, citing local media on Thursday. During a latest press conference, police did not disclose the exact number of deaths but said, "dozens of people presumed dead", BBC reported. A BBC journalist, who drove her car almost half an hour ago, said it could be the worst disaster. She said the scale of fire fighter operation and chaos at hospital has revealed the devastating aftermath.   

What we know so far about Crans Montana fire

- As of writing this article, police refrained from disclosing the number of fatalities but admitted “several” deaths. The incident occurred at a famous Alpine ski resort municipality of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, police said and added people were partying when the accident happened.

- Police ruled out any terror angle in the incident, and added that a probe has been launched to ascertain the actual cause of the blast.

- “The fire started around 1:30 am 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 centre and helpline have been set up for impacted families, Lathion said.
“We're just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists," Lathion said.

- According to a report by the BBC, the resort is well known among British tourists.

- The community is in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn.

ALSO READ: Swiss Ski Resort Explosion: 40 Killed In Explosion At Crans-Montana Bar On New Year's Eve, Local Media Reports

- Valais canton prosecutor-general Beatrice Pilloud said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances behind the incident.

- She said authorities are currently treating the incident as a fire, stressing that there is no indication of an attack at any stage.

- Pilloud added that, out of respect for the families of the victims, she cannot share further details at this time.

- Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and return the bodies to their families as quickly as possible.

- She said the identification process involves extensive work, which will require the temporary closure of the district.