A powerful explosion tore through a crowded bar in the popular Alpine resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year's Day, killing and injuring dozens of people, according to Swiss police.

The blast occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time (0030 UTC) at "Le Constellation," a venue known to be popular with tourists. Police stated that more than 100 people were inside the bar celebrating the arrival of the new year when the incident happened.

“Several dozen people are presumed to have died,” said Frederic Gisler, police commander of the Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland. The exact number of fatalities and injuries remains unconfirmed, but authorities reported treating many people for burns.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and several helicopters, responded overnight to the scene. The area has been completely sealed off, and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana as the response and investigation continue.

"The fire started around 1:30 a.m. this morning in a bar called 'Le Constellation,'" said police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion. "We are seeing many injured and many dead."

Authorities emphasized that the investigation is in its earliest stages and the cause of the explosion is currently unknown. Lathion noted the international significance of the resort, stating, "We're just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists."

The community and emergency teams are dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy, which has cast a pall over the famed winter holiday destination. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.