A terrible tragedy unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day at the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland, where a fire ripped through the crowded Le Constellation bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Swiss authorities now confirm that around 40 people have died and about 115 others have been seriously injured, making it one of the deadliest incidents in recent Swiss history.
The blaze broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on January 1, 2026, as partygoers were ushering in the new year. Police said the fire spread with alarming rapidity through the bar, which was said to be packed with mostly young people and tourists at the height of the celebration.
Authorities and emergency services were quickly alerted to smoke and flames inside the venue. Within moments, the fire engulfed large sections of the bar — including a basement nightclub — trapping many inside. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and panic, with people desperately trying to escape through narrow stairways, smashing windows and pushing toward exits as smoke and fire spread.
Swiss police commander Frédéric Gisler described the scene as “devastating,” noting that the full extent of the loss may take time to determine as identification of the deceased continues. He also confirmed that the number of injured individuals was high, and that many were suffering severe burns and critical injuries.
Rescue Efforts and Response
Emergency services including fire crews, ambulances, and medical staff responded swiftly to the disaster. Local hospitals — especially in Sion, Lausanne, Bern, Geneva, and Zurich — were inundated with wounded victims, with many facilities quickly reaching capacity. Some patients with severe injuries were transferred to specialized units in larger cities where burn treatment and intensive care services could be provided.
Swiss officials declared a state of emergency in the Valais region to ensure sufficient resources were mobilized to manage the crisis and support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
The magnitude of the disaster prompted international concern and condolences, with governments expressing sympathies and offering assistance to Swiss authorities. Numerous foreign nationals were believed to be among the victims, reflecting the resort’s popularity with tourists from around the world.
Eyewitness Accounts and Chaos
Survivors recounted scenes of confusion and horror as the blaze spread. One witness described the moment the fire erupted, saying that within seconds the ceiling was ablaze and smoke filled the room. Another person said they and others had to break windows to escape, while others were trapped by smoke or unable to reach exits quickly enough due to crowds and narrow stairways.
Some survivors said that at first they believed there had been an explosion, though officials later clarified that the event was likely caused by a rapid fire escalation, known to firefighters as a “flashover,” rather than a deliberate explosive device.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been formally determined. Prosecutors and investigators are working to establish how the blaze started, with several hypotheses under consideration. Initial reports suggested that sparkler candles or other pyrotechnic devices used during the New Year’s celebrations may have ignited flammable decorations or wooden surfaces, but officials said these details have not been confirmed and remain part of an ongoing investigation.
Swiss authorities have ruled out terrorism or intentional harm, emphasizing that all available evidence suggests the incident was an accident and not related to any planned attack.
National Mourning and International Reaction
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the disaster as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced,” underscoring the scale of the loss during what is traditionally a festive and joyous celebration. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and praised the swift response of emergency personnel.
Flags have reportedly been flown at half-mast on federal buildings across Switzerland as the nation begins to mourn and come to terms with the heartbreaking event.
Aftermath and Looking Ahead
As investigations continue and families await news of loved ones, authorities are also reviewing safety measures and compliance standards at similar venues to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
For now, the ski resort community is in shock. What should have been a night of celebration turned into a scene of grief and loss, and the repercussions of this devastating fire are set to be felt across the country and beyond in the weeks to come.