AN explosion has killed several people at a ski resort bar in Switzerland.
A blast ripped through the packed bar in Crans-Montana, Valais before a fire erupted as revellers welcomed in the New Year, police say.
More than 100 people were inside Le Constellation Bar and Lounge when the explosion happened, Swiss radio station Rhone FM reports.
Police confirmed multiple fatalities and many more have been injured.
The blast was first reported at 1.30am local time (12.30am UK time).
Footage taken outside the Constellation Bar showed plumes of smoke billowing from the building as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.
A witness said that “countless” ambulances and several helicopters were deployed to take the injured to hospital.
Police described the blast as an “explosion of unknown cause”.
Valais Cantonal Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said: “More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.
“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is a internationally renown ski resort with lots of tourists.”
A reception centre and helpline have been setup for impacted families, Lathion said.
Brits flock to the ski resort of Crans-Montana every winter for its 87 miles of skiing pistes.
They run down from the 2,927-metre peak at the Pointe de la Plaine Morte.
An official cause of the blast and fire is yet to be announced.
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