Tragic Fire Claims Lives in Swiss Ski Resort Bar

Thu Jan 01 2026 17:10:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A catastrophic fire at a bar in Crans-Montana during New Year's celebrations leaves several dozen feared dead and many injured, prompting a major emergency response.

A fire erupted in the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year festivities, leading to several dozen presumed deaths and around 100 injuries. Emergency responders, including helicopters and ambulances, are on the scene as investigations continue into the cause, which authorities have ruled out as an attack. The local community is urged to avoid unnecessary hospital visits as the situation develops.

Several dozen people are presumed dead and around 100 injured after a fire ripped through a bar in a ski resort in southern Switzerland, officials have said.

The fire broke out at around 01:30 (00:30 GMT) during New Year celebrations in a bar called Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, police reported.

Authorities indicated that people from multiple countries have been affected, and significant work will be needed to identify victims and return bodies to families.

No cause has been established yet, but officials categorically ruled out an attack.

Ten helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 emergency responders were deployed overnight to assist with the tragedy, which took place in the popular Valais region.

Many injured individuals suffered severe burns and were taken to local hospital facilities, which have reached full capacity in their intensive care unit.

Immediate details of the victims, including exact numbers and nationalities, remain uncertain as investigations continue. An Italian foreign ministry report suggested about 40 people had died.

Local media speculated about pyrotechnics possibly triggering the incident, but this remains unverified. The Valais canton prosecutor confirmed that an investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances behind this devastating event.

The bar, Le Constellation, has been popular in the community for years, often used as a social hub for tourists and locals alike.

As the community mourns and authorities work diligently to address the aftermath, a helpline has been established for families seeking information about their loved ones.