Several dead in explosion at Swiss ski resort town Crans Montana

Several people were killed and many others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland during New Year celebrations on Thursday.The blast occurred at around 1:30 am local time (0030 GMT) at Le Constellation, a popular bar frequented by tourists, as revellers gathered to ring in the New Year. Authorities said the cause of the explosion remains unknown.
Confirming the casualties, Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman for Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland, stated: “There are several injured, and several dead.”Emergency services rushed to the scene soon after the explosion, with firefighters, police and medical teams deployed immediately and rescue operations were still underway hours after the explosion.“The intervention is still ongoing,” Lathion said, adding that authorities were working to secure the area and assist victims.Crans-Montana, known for its upscale ski slopes and vibrant nightlife, was crowded with visitors at the time of the incident due to New Year festivities. Police have cordoned off the affected area and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.