During a press conference this morning, Swiss police stated that over 100 people had gathered to celebrate the New Year at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana when a large explosion occurred in the early hours of 1/1.

"Dozens are believed to have died and about 100 were injured, most severely," announced Frederic Gisler, commander of Switzerland's Valais cantonal police. Some victims are foreign nationals, but their identities are not yet known.

The bar in Switzerland caught fire after the 1/1 explosion. Video: X/@StrandenOSINT

10 helicopters and 40 ambulances were mobilized for the response. The intensive care unit at Valais cantonal hospital was overwhelmed, with some patients being transferred elsewhere.

Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs later cited Swiss police sources, stating that about 40 people may have died. However, identification is difficult due to severe burns.

Swiss authorities classified this as an accident, ruling out an attack on the bar. Police have not determined the cause of the explosion, while local media suggest the fire may have originated from fireworks.

An American tourist saw people fleeing and screaming in the dark. Hours after the fire broke out, ambulances remained parked outside the bar. Local media described a "lingering smell of burning in the air".

Ambulances at the scene of the Le Constellation bar explosion in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on 1/1. Photo: AFP

A resident living near the scene stated that the fire erupted as the party was in full swing. The atmosphere turned somber, and people began gathering on the street. "Around me, everyone was stunned, anxious, silent," the resident said.

Another person described helicopters sounding throughout the night. "Because of the fireworks, initially we didn't understand what was happening. Then we saw smoke. It was terrible; many young people usually go to that bar," the witness recounted.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)