Switzerland fire latest: ‘40 people dead’ in Crans Montana bar blaze as video appears to show ceiling on fire

Swiss Police have confirmed around 40 people have died after a fire ripped through a bar in a popular Swiss ski resort during New Year celebrations.

The blast occurred at around 1.30am on Thursday at Le Constellation, a bar popular with tourists in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana in the Valais region, southwestern Switzerland.

Revellers were gathered at the venue to ring in the new year when the explosion struck.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the commander of the Valais cantonal police said the incident has left “around 40” dead and 100 or so injured, some seriously.

The exact cause of the blaze is not yet known, but officials have ruled out a terror incident.

Images published by Swiss media showed the building engulfed in flames, with footage appearing to show the bar’s ceiling rapidly catch fire.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin visited the town on Thursday afternoon, and told a press conference that many of the victims are believed to be young people.

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