A massive fire tore through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year’s celebrations. The blaze killed 40 people and injured more than 100.
Flames erupted at 1:30 am local time as hundreds of tourists gathered to welcome 2026 at the luxury Alpine ski resort.
Swiss police confirmed the incident as a devastating fire, not a terrorist attack. The region’s head of security reported several dozen deaths. The Italian Foreign Ministry later stated that Swiss authorities counted 40 dead and 100 injured.
Officials revealed that most casualties were tourists visiting Crans-Montana for the holiday season. More than 100 people filled the bar when the fire broke out. Police spokespersons said several nationalities suffered in the tragedy.
Emergency services responded immediately. Police, firefighters, and helicopters rushed to the scene. Authorities closed off the area and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana. They also set up a hotline for relatives of victims.
Swiss daily Blick reported that the death toll could reach dozens. Regional daily Le Nouvelliste described the tragedy as “a heavy toll.” Doctors at the site confirmed the scale of the disaster.
Swiss media speculated that pyrotechnics used during a concert triggered the fire. Police stressed that investigators have not yet determined the cause.
Crans-Montana, located in Valais about two hours from Bern, ranks among Switzerland’s most renowned ski resorts. The town offers 87 miles of trails and attracts British tourists. At the end of January, the resort will host the FIS World Cup speed skiing event. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety preparations ahead of the competition.
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