Several killed in explosion at Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana; disturbing videos emerge

SEVERAL people were killed and others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana, authorities said. The blast occurred at 1:30 am in a bar called the Constellation, police said in a statement to the BBC.

According to the latest report, there were more than 100 people present in the bar.

Multiple people were killed in the blaze at the bar “Le Constellation” and others were injured, police said.

Swiss police said the area has been completely sealed off and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana.

Swiss news outlet Blick suggests the fire may have been caused by fireworks during a concert - but police say the cause is unknown.

A helpline for families of those affected has been set up, police said.

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.

“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.

Footage circulating on social media, apparently filmed from a road outside the premises, shows flames engulfing part of the building. Authorities said the images are being examined as part of the investigation.

Swiss police said the cause of the explosion remains unknown. While Swiss news outlet Blick reported that the fire may have been linked to fireworks used during a concert, investigators have not confirmed this and stressed that no motive has been established. A helpline has been set up for families and friends of those affected.

Crans-Montana is an upmarket alpine resort in the canton of Valais, popular with international visitors, including tourists from the UK.

Located around two hours from the Swiss capital, Bern, the resort boasts approximately 87 miles of ski trails and is due to host a major FIS World Cup speed skiing event later this month. Authorities said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.