A night of celebration descended into catastrophe when a devastating fire tore through a crowded nightspot in one of Switzerland’s most prestigious alpine destinations.
The blaze erupted around 1:30 AM on January 1 at Le Constellation bar in Crans Montana, a luxury ski resort nestled 40 kilometres from the iconic Matterhorn.
Swiss authorities confirmed several dozen people are presumed dead, with approximately 100 others suffering injuries, many in critical condition.
Packed Venue Becomes Death Trap
Le Constellation was heaving with New Year’s Eve revellers when disaster struck. The venue, which can accommodate 300 patrons plus another 40 on its terrace, reportedly held over 100 people celebrating the arrival of 2026.
🚨🇨ðŸ‡BREAKING: SWISS SKI RESORT BAR BLOWS UP MID PARTY – DEADLY START TO 2026
New Year’s Eve ended in horror at Crans-Montana as the Constellation Bar exploded just after 1:30 AM.
Several are dead, more injured, and luxury après-ski turned into a full-blown inferno.
Authorities… pic.twitter.com/6lTHrLKjhW
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 1, 2026
Witnesses described scenes of panic and horror as flames rapidly consumed the establishment.
“The party was in full swing, music and champagne flowing freely,” a nearby resident told Lausanne newspaper 24 heures. “Then the sirens started. People were stunned, worried, silent.“
Another neighbour recounted hearing helicopters throughout the night. “With the fireworks, we didn’t understand what was happening at first. Then we saw the smoke. It’s terrible—lots of young people go to that bar.”
Massive Emergency Response Mobilised
Swiss authorities deployed an extraordinary rescue operation:
- 10 helicopters airlifted critically injured victims
- 40 ambulances rushed to the scene
- 150 medical personnel mobilised
- Police cordoned off the entire area
- No-fly zone imposed over Crans Montana
Frederic Gisler, commander of Valais cantonal police, told reporters the death toll could rise as victim identification continues.
“Several dozen people are presumed to have died,” Gisler stated during a Thursday morning press conference. “Around 100 people have been injured, many seriously.”
Emergency services at the scene of the Crans-Montana fire [Source: Deccan Chronicle]
Hospitals Overwhelmed with Burn Victims
The scale of injuries quickly exceeded local capacity. Valais hospital’s intensive care unit reached full capacity within hours, forcing authorities to transfer patients across French-speaking Switzerland.
Medical sources told broadcaster RTS that hospitals throughout the region were struggling to cope with the influx of severe burn victims.
Mathias Reynard, Valais Canton State Council President, described how celebration turned to nightmare. “This event, which should have been a moment of joy and togetherness, turned into a nightmare—a tragic event that gravely injured and took the lives of numerous people.”
The Valais State Council declared a state of emergency following the disaster.
Pyrotechnics Under Investigation
While the exact cause remains under investigation, Swiss media outlet Blick reported the fire may have been triggered by pyrotechnics used during a New Year’s Eve concert.
However, prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud stressed it’s too early for definitive conclusions. “It wasn’t an explosive device that caused the fire,” she told reporters. “We are favouring the theory of a fire, and there is absolutely no question of a terrorist attack.”
Valais State Council member Stephane Ganzer, a former firefighter, explained that witness accounts suggest the flames caused what appeared to be an explosion. “The fire spread and, as it developed, caused a widespread explosion.”
International Tragedy
Crans Montana draws tourists from around the globe, and victims span multiple nationalities.
France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed two French nationals were among the injured and receiving emergency care. French President Emmanuel Macron offered condolences via social media.
“My thoughts go to the bereaved families and the injured,” Macron posted on X. “To Switzerland, to its people and to its authorities, I convey the full solidarity of France and our fraternal support.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he was coordinating with Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis, with the Italian Ambassador heading to the scene alongside Geneva consulate staff.
Fireworks Ban Preceded Disaster
Ironically, Crans Montana authorities had banned fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, citing extreme fire risk.
The town announced the prohibition on Tuesday, noting the lack of rainfall for over a month meant fire danger was “extremely high.”
That precaution proved tragically insufficient.
Elite Destination with Down-to-Earth Venue
Crans Montana ranks among Europe’s premier ski resorts, hosting wealthy international visitors and scheduled to hold FIS World Cup speed skiing events later this month.
However, Le Constellation itself wasn’t considered particularly upscale. The BBC reported the bar had operated for at least 40 years and was “a real institution” in the town, popular with both tourists and locals.
The venue featured 14 TV screens for sports viewing, particularly football matches, plus shisha and smoking areas.
Swiss media noted online reviews had previously highlighted concerns about staff treatment and security deficiencies at the establishment.
Community in Shock
“People here are in total shock,” Swiss public television reporter Anna-Lisa Achtermann reported from Crans Montana.
Guy Parmelin, who assumed Switzerland’s rotating presidency on Thursday, described the incident as a “terrible tragedy.”
“What was meant to be a moment of joy has turned the first day of the year in Crans Montana into a day of mourning affecting the entire country and beyond,” Parmelin stated.
The disaster marks one of Switzerland’s deadliest fires in recent decades and casts a shadow over the alpine nation as it entered 2026.
Authorities have established a dedicated helpline for families seeking information about potential victims: 0848 112 117.
Also Read: New Year 2026 Fireworks Australia: Cities Celebrate With Spectacle
Investigation Continues
As forensic teams work to identify victims and determine the precise cause, Swiss prosecutors emphasised the investigation will be thorough.
With the venue’s wreckage still too dangerous to fully access, definitive answers may take considerable time.
For now, Crans Montana—known for pristine slopes and luxury accommodations – faces the grim task of recovering from an unprecedented tragedy that transformed New Year’s celebration into national mourning.
