Sky was halted for a breaking news alert (Image: Sky)

Sky News has been paused to announce a developing breaking news story this morning (January 1). The presenter stopped the programme to tell viewers: “We do have a bit of breaking news for you coming in from multiple sources. There has been a fire and an explosion at a bar in the Crans-Montana Ski Resort in Switzerland, at the Constellation Bar. It’s been reported that several people have been killed, with more injured in this fire and explosion.”

The host told viewers that more updates would be added where possible, while people rushed to the comments to share their support, including one user writing: “Tragic start to the new year.” Sky News went on to announce that the explosion was “of unknown cause” and occurred at 1:30am local time.

The bar in 2024 where the explosion took place (Image: Constellation Bar)

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Sky News shared that Swiss news outlet Blick has suggested the explosion and fire could have been caused by pyrotechnics during a concert and took place while guests were celebrating the new year. A police statement shared by Valais Cantonal Police read: “Around 1.30am, an incident iccurred in Crans-Montana. Several injured people are being treated. I can confirm there are several fatalities.” Police have since ruled out the incident being terror related.

Over 100 people were in the bar celebrating the New Year when the incident took place, with “countless” ambulances and several helicopters arriving to transport those injured. The incident took place in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, known as a luxury resort in the Swiss region of Valais, often popular with British tourists.

The bar where the explosion took place is located in the basement of the building where people visit each day.

Sky has since reported that hospitals are currently “overwhelmed with burn victims”, according to a doctor in the Swiss air ambulance and rescue service. It has been reported that police will issue a formal update at around 9am UK time.

The latest update from police have warned that there are “many injured and many dead”, adding: “We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists.” A helpline for families of those affected has been set up, police have confirmed.