What led to Swiss bar explosion? Witnesses suggest links to pyrotechnic device
Valais Canton police commander said “several tens of people” were killed at the bar, adding that the community was “devastated” following the incident.
Several dozens of people were killed and about 100 others injured after a fire in a bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland, Swiss police said on Thursday.
The incident took place at around 1.30 am (local time) while New Year's celebrations were underway. (Police Cantonale Valaisanne via AP)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The incident took place at around 1.30 am (local time) while New Year's celebrations were underway. Valais Canton police commander Frederic Gisler said “several tens of people” were killed at the bar, named Le Constellation, adding that the community was “devastated” following the incident.
According to eyewitnesses near the site of the incident, pyrotechnics might be the trigger for the massive blaze in the bar. Melko (19), one of the people near the bar, recounted the moments which led up to the tragedy.
The eyewitness told local Swiss media outlet 24 heures that he had visited the bar with a friend, and claimed that he had seen pyrotechnic devices placed on bottles ordered from the nightclub. These allegedly triggered a fire in the ceiling, which caught the blaze immediately, Melko told the outlet.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
This led to scenes of panic, after which a crowd of people rushed towards the exit of the room, which was located in the basement, and was accessible by stairs leading to a corridor.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
This led to scenes of panic, after which a crowd of people rushed towards the exit of the room, which was located in the basement, and was accessible by stairs leading to a corridor.
{{/usCountry}}
However, Beatrice Pilloud, Valais Canton attorney general, has urged that the public “refrain from making assumptions.” “The families are waiting for these answers, but obtaining them will take time,” Pilloud told 24 heures.
Pilloud said that it was too early to determine the cause of the fire because experts had not been able to go inside the wreckage, the Associated Press reported.
The attorney general further said that work was underway to identify the victims and inform their families, adding that it would take time and it would be “premature” to give a “precise figure” at this time. "
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Home/World News/What led to Swiss bar explosion? Witnesses suggest links to pyrotechnic device
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
