BBC Breakfast was paused for devastating breaking news after a fatal explosion on Thursday (January 1).

Charlie Stayt and Luxmy Gopal fronted the hit morning programme on New Year’s Day, updating viewers on the latest news from across the UK and around the world.

They were joined in the studio by Carol Kirkwood, who delivered regular weather forecasts, while John Watson presented the sports segment and Emma Vardy shared updates on the energy price cap.

Later in the show, Charlie revealed that an explosion had taken place at a ski resort in Switzerland, which has left “several” people dead. The blast occurred at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, approximately two hours from the Swiss capital of Bern.

 

BBC Breakfast

Charlie Stayt shared devastating news on Thursday (Image: BBC)

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“In the last half hour, police in Switzerland say several people have died and more are injured after an explosion at a ski resort,” Charlie announced.

Correspondent Will Vernon, who was reporting live from the BBC newsroom, added: “Well obviously, details are still coming in about this incident, but what we do know is that it took place in a bar in the town of Crans-Montana. The bar was called Le Constellation in this town.

“It’s a pretty upmarket ski resort in the region of Valais in Switzerland. This is an area that’s hugely popular with British tourists.”

Will then shared a statement from the Swiss police, which read: “An explosion occurred at 1:30 local time in the ‘Constellation’ bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland. Several people are dead and several injured, exact numbers unknown. A helpline for families of those affected has been set up.”

BBC Breakfast

An explosion has taken place at a Swiss ski resort (Image: BBC)

Will continued: “The police said they would come back to us shortly with an update on that situation, so that’s what we know so far.”

The police have since released a new statement, confirming that a major emergency response is still under way. There are “numerous” police, fire and rescue services responding to the “many” individuals affected.

The affected area remains completely cordoned off, while a no-fly zone is currently in place over Crans-Montana.