Several people were killed and others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the upmarket Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, prompting a large-scale emergency response and a criminal investigation by authorities in the Swiss canton of Valais.Police confirmed that the blast occurred in the resort town, which sits high above the Rhône valley and is known for its luxury hotels, chalets and winter tourism. Gaétan Lathion, a police spokesman for Valais canton, said officers were alerted to “an explosion of unknown origin” and that emergency services were dispatched immediately. He said there were fatalities and multiple casualties but declined to provide precise figures while identification procedures were under way.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the bar and nearby structures, according to officials familiar with the response. Windows were blown out and debris scattered across the surrounding area, forcing police to cordon off parts of the resort centre. Ambulances, fire crews and forensic teams worked through the night as helicopters ferried some of the injured to hospitals equipped to handle trauma cases.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as the blast echoed across the resort. Several people told local media they had heard a loud bang followed by smoke and dust pouring into the street. Tourists and residents were urged to remain indoors while emergency crews assessed the risk of secondary hazards and ensured the area was secure.
Authorities said the cause of the explosion had not been determined. Investigators are examining whether the blast was linked to a gas leak, an electrical fault or another accidental source, while also keeping open the possibility of criminal involvement. Police said there was no indication at this stage of a wider threat to public safety, but stressed that all lines of inquiry remained open until forensic work was complete.
Crans-Montana is a popular destination during the winter season and regularly hosts international visitors, seasonal workers and high-profile events. Local officials said the incident occurred during a busy period for the resort, raising concerns about the impact on tourism and public confidence. Municipal authorities said additional patrols would be deployed in the coming days to reassure residents and visitors.
Swiss federal authorities have been informed, and specialists from outside the canton are expected to assist with the technical investigation if required. Under Switzerland’s emergency response protocols, serious incidents involving fatalities typically trigger coordination between cantonal police, federal forensic experts and public prosecutors.
Medical officials said hospitals in the region activated emergency plans to cope with the influx of patients. Some of those injured were treated on site for minor wounds, while others required surgery for more serious injuries caused by flying debris and the force of the blast. Counselling services were also made available to witnesses and those affected.
The incident has revived scrutiny of safety standards in public venues across Switzerland’s resort towns, particularly in older buildings that may rely on ageing infrastructure. Industry bodies representing hospitality operators have previously highlighted the challenges of maintaining gas, electrical and heating systems in high-altitude environments, where temperature fluctuations can strain equipment.
Local political leaders expressed condolences to the families of those killed and pledged full transparency as the investigation proceeds. The Valais cantonal government said it would provide updates as verified information became available and warned against speculation while forensic work continued.