Switzerland Blast: 40 killed, 100 injured as doctors fear rise in death toll

Zurich: Horrific details are emerging regarding the explosion in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps, with authorities informing the media that at least 40 people have been killed so far while over 100 others were reportedly injured. 

The explosion took place when the bar was packed with revellers celebrating the new year. 

What does the police say?

The fire started at around 1:30 a.m. as people were celebrating the arrival of the new year in a bar called ‘Le Constellation’. 

According the police, more than a hundred people were present at the bar at the time of the incident. 

"We are seeing many injured and many dead,” a police spokesperson told the media.

“The fire incident is not being treated as terror related,” the police spokesperson added.

The police have announced that the affected area is "completely closed to the public", and the authorities have imposed a no-fly zone over Crans Montan.

What is the death toll?

At least 40 people are reported to have been killed while over 100 others were injured. However, hospital sources told the local media that the death toll may increase.

What caused the blast?

The authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the explosion but the Swiss media have claimed that it was caused by pyrotechnics during a concert, leading to a blaze which engulfed the establishment.