What was meant to be a night of celebration in one of Switzerland’s most popular Alpine resorts ended in tragedy, as a fire broke out at a packed bar in the early hours of New Year’s Day, leaving dozens of people feared dead and around 100 injured.
Swiss authorities say dozens of people are presumed to have lost their lives after a fire engulfed a bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations. Around 100 people were injured, many of them seriously, according to officials in the Valais canton.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Valais cantonal police commander Frédéric Gisler said the death toll was expected to be high, but stressed that confirming the exact number of victims would take time. Identification efforts are ongoing, and families are still being informed.
The fire broke out at Le Constellation bar and lounge, which was crowded at the time. Authorities said investigators have not yet been able to enter parts of the destroyed building, making it too early to determine the cause of the blaze. Cantonal attorney general Béatrice Pilloud emphasised that there is no indication of a deliberate act, ruling out any suggestion of an attack.
Fire officials described the incident as a case of rapid fire development, where extreme heat caused combustible gases to ignite suddenly, a phenomenon known in firefighting terms as a flashover or backdraft. The intensity of the blaze left little time for people inside to react.
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Many killed and wounded in an explosion at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana pic.twitter.com/kkGaaPRcRR
Local officials said emergency services were quickly stretched beyond capacity. Intensive care units and operating theatres at the regional hospital filled rapidly as helicopters and ambulances transported the injured from the scene. Some of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals, reflecting the resort’s international visitor base during the ski season.
“This was meant to be a moment of joy and togetherness,” said Mathias Rénard, head of the regional government. “Instead, it became a nightmare.”
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution in the coming days, asking the public to avoid any activities that could lead to further accidents, as medical resources in the area remain under severe pressure.
The municipality had previously banned New Year’s Eve fireworks due to prolonged dry conditions, according to official information published ahead of the holiday.
Crans-Montana lies in the heart of the Swiss Alps, approximately 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn, and is a major winter sports destination. With a permanent population of around 10,000, the resort sees a sharp influx of tourists during peak ski season.
The area is also a key venue on the Alpine skiing World Cup circuit and is scheduled to host the world championships in 2027, as well as major international competitions in the coming weeks.
Investigations into the fire are continuing, while authorities focus on emergency response and support for victims and their families.