What should have been a night of joy and celebration in the Swiss Alps turned into a catastrophe as a fire tore through the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, leaving dozens dead and around 100 others injured during New Year’s festivities. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of January 1, 2026, has shocked Switzerland and reverberated across the globe, given the international crowd that flocks to this famed ski resort each winter.
According to statements from the Cantonal Police of Valais, the blaze erupted at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular bar located at the heart of Crans-Montana. The establishment, known for its lively après-ski scene and capacity to host up to 300 guests, was filled with revelers ringing in the new year when disaster struck. As reported by CNN, witness accounts and the ongoing investigation indicate that the fire spread rapidly and triggered an explosion within the venue. Valais State Council member Stephane Ganzer, a former firefighter, explained during a press briefing, "Witness accounts and investigation show that it was the fire that caused the air in the venue to burst into flames. The fire spread and, as it developed, caused a widespread explosion."
The scene that followed was nothing short of chaotic. Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the resort, with emergency services deploying ten helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 medical personnel to aid the victims, as detailed by Mathias Reynard, President of the Valais Canton State Council, at a Thursday morning press conference. The local hospital's intensive care unit and operating theater quickly reached full capacity, overwhelmed by the influx of injured partygoers, most of whom suffered serious injuries. Regional councilor Mathias Rénard urged the local population to exercise caution in the days following the tragedy, warning that medical resources were stretched thin and further accidents could exacerbate the crisis.
Authorities have not yet provided a definitive casualty count, but the numbers are grim. Police and Swiss officials have said that “several dozen” people are presumed dead, with Italy’s foreign ministry citing Swiss police estimates of approximately 40 fatalities. Many of the victims remain unidentified due to the severity of their burns. The French Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that at least two French nationals were among the injured, while the British embassy in Switzerland stated it was prepared to assist any UK citizens affected by the incident. Given Crans-Montana’s status as an international destination—drawing three million visitors annually, with about 20% coming from abroad—the likelihood that the deceased include tourists from multiple countries remains high. "The victims were likely of different nationalities," Swiss police commander Frédéric Gisler said during a press conference, adding to the somber mood that has gripped the region.
In the immediate aftermath, the authorities moved swiftly to secure the area. The vicinity around Le Constellation was closed to the public, and a no-fly zone was established over Crans-Montana to facilitate emergency operations and protect the integrity of the investigation. A reception center and helpline were set up for families desperate for news about their loved ones. The Valais Cantonal Police emphasized the scale of the response, noting that a "large contingent of police, firefighters, and rescue personnel immediately responded to the scene to assist the numerous victims."
As the dust settled, the community and the nation at large grappled with the enormity of the loss. Guy Parmelin, who assumed the rotating Swiss presidency on January 1, 2026, expressed the country’s sorrow on social media, stating, "What should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana that night, a tragedy that affects all of Switzerland and the world. The Federal Council has taken note of this tragedy with profound dismay." State council president Mathias Reynard echoed these sentiments, describing how the New Year’s Eve celebration became a “nightmare” for all involved: "This event, which should have been a moment of celebration and togetherness, turned into a nightmare. A tragic event that gravely injured and took the lives of a number of people."
The State Council of Valais declared a state of emergency to coordinate the large-scale response and recovery efforts. "Given the seriousness of last night’s events, the State Council has decided to declare a state of emergency," State Councillor Stephane Ganzer announced. "This legal framework allows us to coordinate various large-scale measures and to spread them out over time, as this situation is likely to stay on for some time."
Investigators have begun the painstaking process of determining the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion. Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud addressed the public’s concern at a press briefing, explaining, "I am so sorry to say it again, we’re very early in the investigation. This will take a lot of time and experts will only be able to intervene when the venue is secured." Importantly, officials have ruled out terrorism as a cause. "I would like to clarify that, at this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of (terror) attack," Pilloud stated. "Out of respect for the families, I am unable to say any more at this time. We will communicate directly with the families of the victims."
The tragedy has cast a long shadow over Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland's most exclusive ski resorts. Nestled 1,500 meters above sea level on a south-facing plateau in the Rhone Valley, the town boasts sweeping views from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc and is renowned for its understated glamour, high-end shopping, and vibrant après-ski scene. With a population of around 15,000, Crans-Montana is both a close-knit community and a magnet for celebrities and sports enthusiasts. The resort has played host to prestigious events, including the 1987 FIS World Alpine Skiing Championships and the annual Omega European Masters golf tournament. It is set to host the 2027 World Alpine Skiing Championships, a testament to its enduring appeal and importance in the world of winter sports.
But as the community mourns and the investigation continues, the memory of this New Year’s Eve will linger. The loss of life and the devastation wrought at Le Constellation bar serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to tragedy. For now, Crans-Montana’s usual bustle is replaced by grief, resilience, and a determination to support those affected as they begin the long road to recovery.
