[kellyhound]

Several dozen people presumed killed, and others are injured, after an explosion in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, police say.

The blast occurred at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in the Constellation Bar, police said in a statement.

More than 100 people were in the bar at the time of the explosion, Swiss media outlet Blick is reporting.

Footage circulating on social media showed a fire burning at the bar where New Year's Eve celebrations had been taking place.

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.

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

Victims include multiple nationalities, as the resort attracts international tourists.

At least two French nationals among the injured, per French authorities.

Authorities clarified it started as a fire (possibly in a lower floor or basement), leading to a widespread explosion and rapid spread—not an initial explosive device.

Terrorism or attack has been explicitly ruled out by the Valais prosecutor.

[Mr.NoCredit]

Several dozen!?!

That sucks. Welcome to the new year.

[kellyhound]

At least 40 people are presumed dead, according to Swiss police and Italian Foreign Ministry.

Approximately 115 people are injured, many seriously (including severe burns). Victims have been transferred to hospitals in Lausanne, Zurich, Sion, Geneva.

Many victims are young teens and people in their 20's. Multiple nationalities are involved, incl. Italians (15-16 injured and up to 16 missing. At least 2 French were injured.

[terrence]

Pictures

[terrence]

More Pictures

[terrence]

More Pictures

[houseoftechno]

I see no basement bar fire in Vid1 of the outdoor rave. I presume that just Vid shows the general setting.

Regardless, I have made it a point not to enter basement bars in Europe since seeing Inglorious Basterds.

[2Baratte]

Some people claim that the fire was caused by parkling candles placed on champagne bottles.

[LiquidBlock]

Damn they are remaking the 2003 Station nightclub fire - rough

Happy new years ya'll!

[gimlet]

Another year, another club/bar/concert fire caused by fireworks and probably flammable acoustic foam or other materials.

Trump might not be able to avert nuclear war, but I bet he could stop fires from use of fireworks / open flame in indoor public areas. He could pass laws for USA, and enforce the ban internationally by strafing nightclubs overseas caught using fireworks with AC-130 gunships.