Overview
- Police in Canton Valais confirmed an explosion and subsequent fire at the Le Constellation bar around 1:30 a.m. local time, with multiple deaths and injuries reported.
- The resort area was sealed off, a temporary no-fly zone was declared, and large numbers of police, fire and rescue teams were deployed, with a reception center and hotline set up for families.
- Official casualty numbers have not been released; Sky News reported at least 10 dead and 10 injured, while a regional police chief was cited saying he believes the death toll could be in the dozens with about 100 injured.
- More than 100 people were inside the venue during the New Year festivities, and authorities say the investigation is in its early stages with no determination yet on the cause.
- Initial reporting indicates the incident is not being treated as terrorism, and local media suggested indoor pyrotechnics may have been used, a point investigators have not confirmed.