Dozens killed after explosion inside nightclub at popular winter tourist hotspot

Swiss outlet Blick reports the blaze may have begun when fireworks were let off inside during a concert.

Police believe around 40 people died and 100 were injured in the incident, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that the victims could not be immediately identified due to the severity of their burns.

Some of the victims are from other countries, local security chiefs said.

Authorities said 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances had been sent to the scene.

Further local reports suggest the blast happened in the bar's basement.

The explosion is being considered a fire and not an attack, prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said, adding that authorities were trying to get the bodies of the victims to their families.

Social media footage shows scenes of the subsequent fire from outside the venue - with crowds rushing out and emergency services rushing in.

The venue had a capacity of 400 people.

Police spokesman Gaetan Lathion confirmed: "There has been an explosion of unknown origin... There are several injured, and several dead."

Crans-Montana is an upmarket ski resort in the Swiss canton of Valais - and is popular with British tourists.

At the end of this month, the resort is slated to host a prestigious speed skiing event, the FIS World Cup.

A no-fly zone is now in place over Crans-Montana, Swiss police confirmed.

As part of the major emergency response, a helpline has been established for concerned families on +41 848 112 117.

The UK Foreign Office said staff are ready to help any Britons who may be affected by the fatal fire.

A spokesman said: “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.”