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Swiss authorities continue to investigate the severe incident that occurred overnight at the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a powerful explosion led to a fire at a local bar, according to reports.

According to the cantonal police in the Valais district, this was “an event that claimed the lives of dozens of people,” apparently more than 40, with at least around 100 others injured, many of them seriously. The exact number of fatalities has not yet been officially released.

ZAKA has dispatched a special delegation to search for three missing Jews.

The explosion occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. at the Le Constellation bar, where more than one hundred people were present. Eyewitnesses reported that the venue was underground, with particularly narrow entrance and emergency exits, which significantly complicated rescue efforts.

In response to the disaster, large numbers of rescue forces were deployed, including approximately 40 ambulances and 10 rescue helicopters, which evacuated the injured to hospitals across Switzerland. Authorities reported that intensive care units throughout the Valais district reached full capacity, and some of the wounded were transferred to university hospitals outside the district.

It was also reported that several members of the local Jewish community were injured in the incident. The powerful explosion occurred near the Shul of the local Jewish community.

Rabbi Yitzchak Levi Pevsner, The Rebbe’s shliach in Crans-Montana, described the dramatic moments: “We heard a huge explosion at night and realized that something terrible had happened. Very quickly, all the streets filled with people, ambulances, and emergency and rescue forces. It is a terrible disaster.”

He added: “Since the night hours I’ve been receiving phone calls and messages from residents and members of the community asking about our well-being and hoping for good news. There was concern at first that it might have been an attack targeting the Shul or the Jewish community, but that is not the case.”

According to information from the community, several of its members were injured by the blast and were evacuated for medical treatment. Two members of the Jewish community are still defined as out of contact. Rabbi Pevsner is currently at the emergency center established by local authorities, assisting both community members and local residents. “We all mobilized and came here to help in every possible way. At this difficult time, we stand by our friends and will continue to support and assist however needed,” he said.

Swiss authorities emphasized that this was not a terror attack. The Valais district’s chief prosecutor, Béatrice Pilloud, stated at a press conference: “The possibility of an attack can be completely ruled out.”

The circumstances of the explosion and fire remain unclear, and a broad investigation is ongoing with the assistance of forensic experts.

Local media have raised early assessments suggesting the incident may have been caused by the use of pyrotechnic devices in fireworks during a celebration at the venue, but authorities urged the public to refrain from speculation.

Following the disaster, the Valais district council declared a special state of emergency, enabling the full mobilization of resources needed to deal with the aftermath. Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced the postponement of his New Year’s address “out of respect for the suffering and mourning of the victims’ families.”

Police reported that among the dead and injured are citizens of various countries, due to Crans-Montana’s status as a popular international ski destination. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. Authorities called on the public to follow instructions, avoid the area, and limit visits to hospitals in order not to overburden emergency services. The investigation continues, and updates will be provided as additional official information becomes available.

In the wake of the severe disaster, upon receiving the information, the ZAKA organization acted immediately. Teams from ZAKA’s international unit who reside in the region are now making their way to the scene to assist in locating the missing and with all necessary efforts, in coordination with local authorities and the Jewish community, alongside the Rebbe’s Shluchim operating on site.

At the same time, dedicated logistical equipment of the organization has been sent to the area on the next available flight, as part of a comprehensive preparedness effort for continued operations at the scene.

Reuven, Head of Logistics at ZAKA, said: “From the moment the reports were received, we immediately prepared to dispatch logistical equipment to the area, in order to enable teams from the region to operate quickly and with the highest level of professionalism at the scene.”

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