Several people have been killed and others injured after an explosion at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland.
The blast occurred at around 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) in the Constellation Bar in the Alpine town of Crans-Montana.
The tragedy unfolded as revellers welcomed in the New Year at the bar, which is popular with tourists.
Images published by local media show a building engulfed in flames and emergency services nearby.
There are reports the blast may have been caused by fireworks – however police say this is yet to be confirmed.
According to Swiss radio station Rhone FM, more than 100 people were inside the building at the time.
A witness added that ‘countless’ ambulances and several helicopters raced to the scene.
The blast occurred at around 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) in the Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana as revellers celebrated the New Year
Image from the scene shows emergency services scrambling to the bar in the early hours of this morning
It is currently unclear how many people have been killed in the tragedy but Swiss officials have said there are ‘several dead and several injured’.
Crans-Montana is a luxury ski resort town located in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
It is approximately two hours from the Swiss capital of Bern and is popular with British tourists.
‘There has been an explosion of unknown origin,’ Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman in Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland said.
‘There are several injured, and several dead.’
‘The intervention is still ongoing,’ they added.
A helpline has been set up for families seeking information about loved ones.
Crans-Montana is a large ski resort that is home to 87 miles of mountain trails.
At the end of this month, it is due to host the FIS World Cup – a prestigious speed skiing competition.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
