Swiss ski resort explosion leaves at least 10 dead on New Year’s Eve; Incident not terror related, says Swiss police

At least 10 people were killed after an explosion struck a Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, authorities said. The blast occurred during holiday celebrations, sending shockwaves through the popular resort area and prompting a large emergency response. Swiss police confirmed that multiple others were injured, though the exact number was not immediately clear. Investigators moved quickly to secure the area and begin examining the cause of the explosion.

According to Sky News, the explosion and resulting fire occurred during New Year’s celebrations at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana. Swiss police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related. The blast happened at around 1:30 AM local time. According to Swiss outlet Blick, the explosion may have been caused by pyrotechnics used during a concert.




Crans Montana is situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn. A doctor with the Swiss air rescue service said hospitals are overwhelmed with burn victims. Police have sealed off the area and declared a no-fly zone.

A Swiss police spokesperson has provided additional details, as reported by Sky News, confirming that more than 100 people were inside the building at the time of the explosion.

"We are seeing many injured and many dead," Gaetan Lathion said as quoted by Sky News.

"We're just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists."



According to Sky News, the luxury resort is located in Switzerland’s Valais region, a destination popular with British tourists. Crans-Montana is about two hours from the Swiss capital, Bern.