Explosion in a bar during New Year's celebration in Switzerland - reports of many deaths

Several people have died and many others have been injured in a severe fire that broke out during a New Year's Eve celebration at a bar in Crans-Montana, a town in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. According to preliminary investigations, the fire started after an explosion occurred on the lower floor of the bar, named "Le Constellation", around 1:30 AM local time.

Authorities confirm that this establishment, which is usually open until 2:00 AM, can accommodate nearly 400 people at once.

This tragedy has been labeled a "major disaster", and it is suspected that the number of dead and injured could be similar to the bus accident in Sierre in 2012, which killed 28 people. Police, ambulance services, and several Air-Glaciers helicopters have been immediately deployed to control the emergency. Hospitals in the Romandy region have been prepared to provide urgent treatment for those with severe burns. Meanwhile, Rega medical teams are urging the public to avoid risky activities on January 1st as a way to support hospital staff.

According to information received so far, investigative units suspect that this incident is not a crime or a deliberate act. It is believed to be an accidental occurrence. Although a local radio service has reported that the misuse of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices might have caused the explosion and fire, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been scientifically confirmed. A special hotline has also been introduced to provide necessary information and support to the families of the victims.