BBC Breakfast paused for devastating breaking news after fatal explosion

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Foreign Office issues statement as ‘dozens dead’ in Swiss ski resort

A statement has been issued by the Foreign Office after a deadly fire broke out at the ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland during New Year’s celebrations

Dozens are feared dead after the explosion at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland

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Dozens are feared dead after the explosion at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The Foreign Office has said it will ‘continue to monitor the situation’ after dozens of people were feared dead in a Swiss ski resort popular with British tourists.

The death toll is unclear after an explosion at the bar in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland during New Year’s celebrations.

Police this morning said 10 people had been killed and around 100 injured, though authorities believe the death toll is likely to be significantly higher.

The fire broke out at around 1.30am at the Le Constellation bar, which is popular with foreign tourists. Officials said some of the victims were from other countries.

 

Images shared online showed revellers climbing through the window to flee the blaze

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Images shared online showed revellers climbing through the window to flee the blaze

It is understood there have not been any requests for consular assistance from any UK nationals or their families so far.

A spokesperson told the Mirror: “Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, and our consular staff stand ready to support any British nationals who may be affected.”

Local reports said it is believed fireworks may have been used inside the venue at the time of the explosion around 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT).

Police have told a press conference that “several dozens” have been killed while more than 100 have been taken to hospital – while Béatrice Pilloud, Attorney General of the Valais region, said authorities “cannot rule out the possibility that several people from abroad were affected by this tragedy”.

Two French nationals have been injured after the fire in Switzerland, the country’s foreign office said, adding in a statement: “France extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the fire that broke out on 1 January in Crans-Montana.

“It expresses its full solidarity and support to the Swiss people and authorities. Two French nationals are among the injured. They were immediately taken into care by the emergency services.”

The Italian foreign ministry has said it understands from the local authority in Switzerland that there are at least 40 dead and 100 injured from the fire.

A spokesperson said they were in the process of checking if any Italians are among the victims of the tragedy.