The blast tore through Le Constellation bar in the Valais region at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, triggering a fierce fire that engulfed parts of the popular establishment. More than 100 revelers were inside the venue when the explosion occurred.
The Valais Cantonal Police confirmed “several fatalities and several injured” but have not yet released an exact death toll as emergency operations and victim identification efforts remain ongoing.
Dramatic images and videos shared on social media and reported by Swiss media outlets showed flames consuming sections of the building as emergency vehicles filled the streets of the normally tranquil alpine resort.