THIS is the terrifying moment a fire engulfed a popular ski resort bar in Switzerland after a massive explosion.
Dozens of people have died and at least 100 were injured in the horror New Year’s Eve blast inside a tourist bar in Crans-Montana, Valais.
Footage from outside the Alpine bar shows raging flames coming from inside the venue as dozens of people watch on.
Locals ran over to try and help those trapped inside with people appearing to try and access the burning building to save others.
Footage taken outside the Alpine bar shows plumes of smoke billowing from the building as emergency vehicles rush to the scene.
Others ran for their lives.
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What we know so far…
- Dozens killed and over 100 injured, cops say
- Explosion erupted at around 1:30am followed by a fire
- Hospitals “overwhelmed with burn victims”
- Tragedy not being treated as an attack
- No-fly zone in place across Crans-Montana
Chief of the Valais Cantonal Police, Frédéric Gisler, declared that “dozens of people are presumed to have died” in the horrific blast.
He added that “100 or so” are also injured with some being “significantly” wounded with a range of burns.
The nationalities of the victims remain unknown but it is likely that they came from several different nations, Gisler confirmed.
The death toll may still rise in the coming hours, cops fear.
A blast was first reported at 1.30am local time (12.30am UK time) after locals noticed smoke coming from the venue.
Police do not believe the fire was caused by a direct attack but an official reason is yet to be announced as investigations continue.
State Council President Mathias Reynard said: “This evening should have been a moment of celebration – it turned into a nightmare that cost the lives of many people.”
Gisler, added: “I cannot hide from you that we are stunned by what happened.
“On behalf of the Valais police, I would like to extend my sympathy to victims and families.”
More than 100 people were inside Le Constellation Bar and Lounge when the blast happened, police believe.
The venue can hold over 300 people with the bar reportedly being located in the basement.
Ten helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 emergency responders were all deployed to battle the flames and rescue victims.
The intensive care unit in at least one hospital is full, Gisler said.
A doctor in the Swiss air ambulance and rescue service broadcaster RTS said that hospitals are “overwhelmed with burn victims”.
They have urged locals to avoid using the emergency services as best they can for the next few hours.
State Councillor Stéphane Ganzer praised emergency responders for “working with courage”.
Valais Cantonal Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion added: “More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.
“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists.”
The Foreign Office has been contacted for a comment.
A former bar customer says that the basement to the bar has only one narrow escape route.
Speaking to local newspaper Blick, the man claimed to have thought a few years ago while inside: “If a panic breaks out here, how would I get back to daylight?”
A reception centre and helpline have been set up for impacted families, Lathion said.
The area surrounding the bar has been completely closed off with a no-fly zone imposed over Crans-Montana.