Politics

Approximately 40 individuals lost their lives and around 100 were injured, many severely, after an explosion occurred at a busy bar during a New Year’s Eve celebration in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, according to Swiss officials on Thursday. The blast took place at 1:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) in a bar named “Le Constellation” located in southwestern Switzerland. The reason for the explosion is still unknown, but officials believe it was likely an accident. Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud stated at a press conference, “Currently, we are treating this as a fire and are not looking into the possibility of an attack.” She also mentioned that a thorough investigation has begun. Stephane Ganzer, who oversees security for the Valais canton, noted that some victims were from other nations. The head of police for the canton, Frederic Gisler, announced that a helpline has been established for family members. “I can’t hide the fact that we are all deeply affected by what occurred last night in Crans,” Gisler shared at the press briefing. He reported approximately 100 injuries, most of them serious, and sadly, many people are believed to be dead. Patients have been sent to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich. The Italian foreign ministry mentioned that information from Swiss police indicated around 40 fatalities, but Gisler refrained from confirming an exact number. Earlier reports from the police indicated that many victims were receiving treatment for burns, and the area has been completely sealed off, with a no-fly zone established over Crans-Montana. Emergency services have deployed 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances. Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin expressed condolences on X, stating, “What was intended to be a moment of joy turned into mourning on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, affecting the entire country and beyond.”