Overview
- An explosion and fire tore through a popular bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana around 1:30 a.m. on January 1 during New Year celebrations.
- Local police reported dozens are believed dead and about 100 people were injured in what they described as a serious incident.
- More than 100 people had gathered at the venue, prompting a large-scale emergency response and ongoing rescue operations.
- Authorities have not determined the cause; local media have suggested concert fireworks may be involved, but officials have not confirmed this.
- Japan’s Foreign Ministry said it has not confirmed any Japanese nationals among the casualties, as victim identification and consular checks continue.