Crans-Montana, Switzerland: At least 40 people are presumed dead. Around 100 others are injured after a fire ripped through a packed bar at the luxury ski resort during New Year celebrations, police said early Thursday.
Emergency services rushed to the resort, one of Europe’s most popular winter destinations, after the blaze broke out shortly after 1:30 am local time at the Le Constellation. Firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams worked through the night. Ambulances and helicopters evacuated the injured.
A tourist visiting from New York told Agence France-Presse he saw bright orange flames pouring from the venue. People were running and screaming in panic. Several witnesses described scenes of chaos as the fire spread rapidly through the crowded bar.
🇨🇭 – Several dozen people were killed and more than 100 injured in a fire that swept through the crowded Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations. The blaze erupted around 01:30 on January 1 when over 100 revelers were inside… pic.twitter.com/bnLbHY3tdO
— EuroWatcher – News for you (@EuroWatcherEUW) January 1, 2026Authorities said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but stressed there was no indication of an attack. “Several dozen people are presumed to have died,” said Frederic Gisler, police commander in Switzerland’s Wallis canton. He added that many of the injured were in serious condition and were receiving medical treatment.
Hospitals across Wallis declared a state of emergency after reaching capacity. This prompted the transfer of patients to medical facilities in other parts of Switzerland. Authorities confirmed that all injured individuals had been taken into care.
🚨 Several dozens killed and around 100 injured as blast and fire hit bar in Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, police confirm
▪️ Incident occurs at a bar hosting New Year celebrations in the Crans-Montana ski resort town in southern Switzerland
▪️ Valais… pic.twitter.com/HNtxQzcM4G
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 1, 2026The bar has a capacity of around 300 people indoors, with space for an additional 40 guests on its terrace. Police earlier said roughly 100 people had gathered at the venue for New Year’s festivities. Hours after the fire, ambulances remained stationed outside. Shattered windows were visible. Local media reported a lingering smell of smoke.
Officials cautioned that it was too early to confirm an exact death toll. They noted that Crans-Montana attracts visitors from across the world. Initial reports from the French foreign ministry said at least two French citizens were among the injured.
An explosion and fire ripped through a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations. Police say at least 10 people are dead, and many more wounded. pic.twitter.com/K75kzRTGOX
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 1, 2026Swiss media reported that the fire may have started after pyrotechnics were used during a concert. However, police have not confirmed this. The area around the bar has been sealed off. Authorities imposed a no-fly zone over the resort to allow rescue operations to continue uninterrupted.
Residents described a festive atmosphere moments before the tragedy. “The party was in full swing, with music and champagne flowing freely,” one local told a Lausanne newspaper. As sirens echoed through the streets, the mood shifted abruptly. “People were stunned, worried, and silent,” the resident said.
Emergency services said operations were still ongoing. Investigators worked to determine the cause of one of the deadliest fires in recent Swiss history.
