A tragic fire during a New Year’s celebration in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 people and injuries to around 115 others. The incident occurred at the Le Constellation bar early on January 1, 2026, as partygoers welcomed the new year in the popular ski resort town.
The blaze ignited around 1:30 a.m., according to Frederic Gisler, the commander of the Valais Cantonal Police. Witnesses reported that the fire was likely caused by champagne bottles equipped with sparklers. One witness described how waitresses carried these bottles too close to the ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of flames. “Once the ceiling was on fire, within about ten seconds the entire nightclub was on fire,” one witness recounted.
As the fire erupted, chaos ensued. Survivors reportedly smashed windows to escape the rapidly engulfing flames. Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances to the scene. Many of the injured are in critical condition, as stated by Mathais Reynard, the president of the Valais canton State Council.
In the wake of this disaster, authorities have initiated an investigation. Beatrice Pilloud, the local prosecutor, confirmed that preliminary assessments indicate no link to terrorism. “At this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of attack,” Pilloud emphasized.
The impact of the tragedy extends beyond local residents, with many victims likely hailing from other countries. The Italian Foreign Ministry has indicated that Swiss police confirmed around 40 fatalities, but officials noted that it is too early to provide exact figures. The bar was reportedly at full capacity, accommodating about 200 people at the time of the fire.
Crans-Montana, located in the Valais region, is set to host World Cup ski races beginning January 30, 2026, ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympics. As the community grapples with this devastating event, officials are focused on providing aid to victims and their families while ensuring thorough investigations into the cause of the fire.
