Orthodox Jewish Israeli Singer Recounts Escape From Blast at Swiss Ski Resort

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (VINnews) — An Orthodox Jewish Israeli singer vacationing with his family in Switzerland said he narrowly escaped harm after a powerful explosion and fire tore through a nightclub at a popular ski resort, triggering panic and chaos during New Year’s celebrations.

Moshe Lukk, who was staying nearby with relatives, said he was close to the scene when the blast erupted late Thursday night in the resort town of Crans-Montana.

“We were sitting down to eat when suddenly there was a massive explosion,” Lukk said, speaking to the Israeli news site Kikar HaShabbat. “At first we didn’t understand what had happened. Then we saw flames and thick black smoke coming from the building. Within seconds, everything was on fire.”

Lukk said the scene quickly descended into chaos as people ran in all directions. “There was complete panic,” he said. “People were screaming, running, pushing. Some were trying to break windows to get out, others were jumping down to the street to escape the flames. It was terrifying.”

He described seeing injured people lying outside the club as emergency services were still on their way. “You see people on the ground and you don’t know if they’re unconscious or worse,” Lukk said. “It’s not something you expect to witness, especially so many young people.”

Authorities said the explosion occurred at a nightclub in the center of the village, sparking a major fire that rapidly engulfed the structure. Witnesses reported that thick smoke filled the area, forcing residents and visitors to flee nearby buildings.

Emergency responders later secured the scene and treated multiple injured people. Police cordoned off the area and opened an investigation into the cause of the blast.

By morning, Lukk said, the atmosphere in the town remained tense. “People are still shaken,” he said. “The police closed off the entire area, and there’s a heavy feeling here. It’s hard to believe how quickly a celebration turned into something like this.”

Swiss authorities have not released a final casualty count, saying identification efforts are ongoing. Israeli media reported that two Jewish individuals were initially listed as missing, though officials have not confirmed their status.

Investigators said preliminary findings suggest a fire may have preceded the explosion. One scenario under review involves a pyrotechnic device igniting alcohol inside the wooden structure, though officials cautioned that the cause has not yet been determined.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.