Crans-Montana, Switzerland — A catastrophic fire swept through a crowded bar at the renowned Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, killing around 40 people and injuring over 100 others, according to Swiss authorities. The incident has plunged the Alpine nation into mourning and marked one of the deadliest fires in Switzerland in recent years.
The blaze erupted shortly after 1:30am local time at the popular Le Constellation bar, where hundreds of locals and tourists had gathered to celebrate the arrival of 2026. What began as a festive night quickly descended into chaos as flames and thick smoke tore through the venue, trapping patrons inside.
Emergency services were alerted within minutes, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. Firefighters, paramedics and police rushed to the scene, supported by multiple rescue helicopters that ferried critically injured victims to hospitals across the country. Medical facilities in Valais, Lausanne, Zurich, Bern and Geneva were placed on high alert as burn victims and those suffering from smoke inhalation arrived in waves.
Scenes of Panic and Desperation
Survivors described terrifying moments as fire spread rapidly across the ceiling and interior of the bar. Witnesses said visibility dropped almost instantly as dense smoke filled the space, prompting desperate attempts to escape. Some patrons reportedly smashed windows, while others fought through narrow stairways and exits in a bid to flee.
Videos circulating online showed flames engulfing the roof area and emergency responders carrying injured people away from the building. Authorities believe many of the victims were young adults and international visitors, reflecting the resort’s popularity during the holiday season. Identification of the deceased is ongoing, a process officials warn may take time due to the severity of the injuries.
Investigation Underway
Swiss police have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Early findings suggest the incident was accidental, with no evidence pointing to criminal intent or terrorism. Investigators are examining whether decorative items, sparklers, or indoor pyrotechnics used during New Year celebrations may have ignited flammable materials inside the bar.
Officials are also reviewing the building’s safety features, including emergency exits and evacuation routes, amid concerns that the layout of the venue may have contributed to the high number of casualties.
National and International Response
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed profound sorrow, calling the incident “a heartbreaking tragedy” and extending condolences to the victims’ families. Messages of sympathy poured in from European leaders and foreign governments, while local authorities in Valais canton declared a state of emergency to mobilise additional resources.
Support centres and emergency helplines have been set up for relatives seeking information about loved ones, as well as for survivors in need of counselling.
A Community in Shock
Crans-Montana, known globally for its luxury ski slopes and vibrant nightlife, has been left stunned. What was supposed to be a night of celebration has turned into a somber moment for the resort town and the entire country. Candles and flowers have begun appearing near the site as residents and visitors gather to pay tribute to the victims.
As rescue efforts transition into recovery and investigation, Switzerland faces difficult questions about venue safety and emergency preparedness — even as it mourns the lives lost in a tragedy that has cast a dark shadow over the start of the new year.
