FLASH
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Local media report that the toll could be even higher, while an anonymous source quoted by RhoneFM radio speaks of up to 40 victims.
New details have emerged from the major explosion in Switzerland, where 10 people lost their lives and over 100 others were injured.
The explosion occurred at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, one of the most popular ski resorts.
In an official statement, the Valais cantonal police confirmed that the explosion was followed by a large fire in the bar's premises, causing many casualties. Local media report that the toll could be even higher, while an anonymous source quoted by RhoneFM radio speaks of up to 40 victims , a figure that has not been officially confirmed.
The incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. local time, at the height of New Year's celebrations. The surrounding area has been completely cordoned off by authorities, while police have also imposed a temporary flight ban over Crans-Montana for security reasons.
Footage broadcast by Swiss media shows the building engulfed in flames, as well as the presence of numerous rescue forces, ambulances and firefighters at the scene.
Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman in the canton of Valais, in southwestern Switzerland, said: “I confirm that there are several dead and we are seeing many injured… The intervention is still ongoing.” Swiss media speculated that the explosion may have been caused by fireworks, but police have not confirmed this theory.
Witnesses told Swiss radio station Rhône FM that "countless" ambulances and several helicopters were rushing the injured to hospitals.
Lathion said investigators were trying to determine the cause of the explosion.
"We are only at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with many tourists," he said. He added that a reception center and helpline had been set up for affected families.
According to Swiss media outlet Blick, more than 100 people were inside the bar at the time of the explosion. The bar had a maximum capacity of around 400 people. Authorities are investigating whether safety regulations and the permitted capacity limit were respected.
The venue included an upper floor with screens for broadcasting sports matches and a large basement with a bar and dance floor, where the main part of the night's activity took place. According to a former customer quoted by Blick, the basement only had one emergency exit, while the number of customers may not have been strictly monitored. Investigations into the causes of the explosion and fire are ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide more details in the coming hours and days.
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