By Amanda Castro, Daniel Orton, and Brendan Cole
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A New Year’s Eve celebration in Switzerland turned deadly when a fire tore through a crowded bar in Crans-Montana, leaving dozens feared dead and around 115 injured. The blaze at Le Constellation lounge bar has prompted a state of emergency in the Alpine resort town.
What to Know:
- The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Thursday at Le Constellation lounge bar in Crans-Montana.
- Police said about 100 people were inside the venue at the time.
- Witnesses initially described an “explosion,” later attributed to the fire spreading rapidly inside the venue.
- Swiss authorities have not confirmed an exact death toll, but said “dozens” are presumed dead.
- Italy’s foreign ministry cited Swiss police in reporting about 40 fatalities, with around 115 injured.
- Victims are believed to be of multiple nationalities; identification is ongoing due to severe burns.
- Emergency crews, helicopters and ambulances responded; the area has been sealed off with a no-fly zone.
- Officials ruled out terrorism, treating the incident as a fire.
- State Council president Mathias Reynard called the tragedy a “nightmare” that shattered celebrations.
- Crans-Montana is a luxury ski resort known for international tourism, high-end shopping, and hosting major sporting events.
- The U.S. Embassy in Bern expressed sorrow Thursday over the deadly fire that swept through a bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, leaving dozens feared dead and scores injured.
- In a press release, the Embassy said its “thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and their loved ones.” Officials praised the swift response of emergency crews and confirmed they are in close contact with Swiss authorities, who have set up a hotline for victims and families at +41 848 112 117.
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Jan 01, 2026 at 06:55 PM EST
French citizens among victims of Crans-Montana fire
France’s foreign ministry said Thursday that at least nine French nationals were injured and eight remain missing following the deadly fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Officials confirmed that three of the injured have already been transferred to hospitals in Paris and Lyon for treatment. Additional evacuations of victims are underway as authorities coordinate care for those suffering severe burns and other injuries.
Jan 01, 2026 at 06:42 PM EST
Arab nations offer condolences after Swiss resort fire
Several Arab countries have expressed sympathy following the deadly fire at a bar in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana ski resort.
Egypt’s foreign ministry issued a statement calling the tragedy a “painful humanitarian crisis” and extended condolences to the Swiss government and victims. Oman’s foreign ministry posted on X, offering condolences and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Jordan’s foreign minister also took to X, voicing “full solidarity and support” for Switzerland and extending sympathies to the victims and their families.
Jan 01, 2026 at 06:29 PM EST
Swiss hospitals overwhelmed after Crans-Montana fire
Swiss hospitals are struggling to cope with the number of victims from the deadly bar fire in Crans-Montana, where about 50 people suffered severe burns, officials said Thursday.
Dr. Robert Larribau, head of emergency care at Geneva University Hospital, said the scale of injuries far exceeds the capacity of Switzerland’s burn units in Zurich and Lausanne, as well as its national disaster center in Bern. Authorities are coordinating with the European Union to transfer patients to hospitals in Germany, Italy, and France.
The hospital in Sion, closest to the fire, was initially overwhelmed, admitting around 60 victims. Twenty-two were sent to Lausanne — more than double its burn unit capacity — while 16 went to Zurich and eight to Bern. Four young patients were taken to Geneva, two of whom remain in intensive care and require specialized treatment abroad.
In addition, three people with fractures and other non-burn injuries from an explosion during the blaze sought care at another Geneva hospital.
Jan 01, 2026 at 06:13 PM EST
Witnesses describe harrowing escape from Crans-Montana fire
Two survivors of the deadly blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana said they struggled to breathe as thick black smoke filled the venue. Axel and Nathan told CNN affiliate BFMTV that the crush of people trying to flee made escape impossible at first.
The pair hid behind a table to shield themselves from the flames before forcing open a window to get out. “The only way out was through a window,” they said, recalling the desperate effort to break it open.
Outside the bar, another eyewitness told France 2 they saw smoke billowing and people pounding on the windows in panic. “There was a huge crowd movement. Everyone was fighting to get out. It was quite difficult to watch,” the witness said.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:57 PM EST
Teen survivor recounts horror of Crans-Montana fire
Seventeen-year-old Laetitia Place narrowly escaped the deadly blaze at Le Constellation bar in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana ski resort, describing scenes of panic and devastation as revelers tried to flee.
Place told Reuters she had gone downstairs with a friend when they encountered the fire. In the rush to escape, she lost hold of her friend’s arm and has not heard from him since.
She recalled the chaotic evacuation, with crowds pushing through a small doorway, people falling on top of one another, and victims suffering burns as others lay motionless nearby. “We all saw really horrible things that no one should ever have to see,” she said.
Place said she remains shaken and fearful, noting that several of her friends are still hospitalized. “I was so scared — scared for myself, scared for my friends, scared for everyone inside,” she added.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:43 PM EST
IN PICTURES: Mourners set candles and flowers out for victims
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Jan 01, 2026 at 05:27 PM EST
Deadly Swiss blaze joins history of nightclub fires
The New Year’s fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is the latest in a long line of nightclub disasters where overcrowding, poor safety standards, and confusion have turned celebrations into tragedy.
In recent years, deadly blazes have struck venues worldwide. In December 2025, a firecracker ignited a blaze in Goa, India, killing at least 25 and prompting bans on pyrotechnics in clubs. Just months earlier, in March 2025, an unlicensed nightclub in North Macedonia caught fire during a pop concert, leaving 59 dead.
Past incidents have been even more catastrophic. More than 200 students died in Brazil in 2013 when pyrotechnics set a ceiling ablaze, while 175 were killed in Buenos Aires in 2004 after a flare ignited a packed rock venue with locked exits. In the United States, 100 people died in Rhode Island in 2003 when a band’s pyrotechnics engulfed The Station nightclub, and 160 perished in Kentucky’s Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in 1977.
The deadliest nightclub fire remains Boston’s Cocoanut Grove in 1942, where nearly 500 people were killed after an artificial palm tree ignited in an overcrowded club with blocked exits.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:10 PM EST
Teen witness recalls panic during Crans-Montana bar fire
Bruno Martins, 17, said he arrived at The Constellation bar in Crans-Montana expecting to meet friends for New Year’s celebrations but instead found the venue engulfed in flames and surrounded by police.
“It was total panic, people were trampling each other,” Martins recalled. He said one of his friends suffered severe burns and is being treated at a hospital, while others remain missing.
Martins described the experience as surreal and deeply unsettling. “It’s not real, it’s a shock,” he said. “Especially since it’s a bar we know so well.”
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:49 PM EST
Witnesses describe chaos outside Crans-Montana bar fire
A student who arrived at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve described scenes of panic and devastation as the deadly fire broke out. He and his friends had just finished work nearby and were approaching the entrance when they saw people fleeing, some burned and struggling to breathe.
“For the first five minutes, I was just standing there. I didn’t understand what was going on,” the student told the BBC World Service.
Over the next two hours, he and his friends joined efforts to help the injured. At a nearby restaurant, staff offered water to victims until ambulances arrived. The group later drove a badly burned woman to a hospital in Sion, where her condition remains uncertain.
“Everywhere hurts,” one victim told him, while others screamed or lay silently on the ground. The student said he is still in shock: “I cannot believe what happened.”
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:32 PM EST
King Charles sends condolences after deadly Swiss fire
King Charles III expressed sorrow Thursday over the deadly fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, offering condolences to victims and praise for emergency responders. In a message to the Swiss president, Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and greatly saddened” by the tragedy, which turned a night of celebration into devastation.
The king commended the “heroic first responders and selfless emergency services” while extending sympathy to families of those killed and to victims still hospitalized.
The British embassy in Switzerland said foreign nationals from several countries are likely among the casualties, underscoring the international impact of the disaster.
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:17 PM EST
Promotional video surfaces after deadly Swiss bar fire
A promotional video for Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana has drawn scrutiny after a deadly fire at the venue, showing women in motorcycle helmets carrying bottles of alcohol topped with sparklers through the establishment. The clip, posted on YouTube in May 2024, advertised the bar’s nonstop hours of operation.
Witnesses told CNN affiliate BFMTV that sparklers placed in champagne bottles may have triggered the blaze, describing waitresses holding bottles dangerously close to the ceiling. One reveler recalled a waitress standing on another’s shoulders, with flames just centimeters from overhead fixtures.
Authorities cautioned Thursday evening that it was too early to determine the fire’s cause. Valais canton Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud declined to confirm whether sparklers were responsible, saying investigators would need time to establish the origin of the incident.
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:00 PM EST
Eyewitness describes rescue attempt in Crans-Montana fire
An eyewitness recounted breaking into the burning nightclub in Crans-Montana, fearing his younger brother was trapped inside. “We heard a big explosion and after that we saw a lot of smoke,” he told BBC News, explaining how he tried to smash a window to help people escape.
Once inside, he described harrowing scenes of victims engulfed in flames and suffering severe burns. He said he offered water and clothing to the injured, even giving his jacket to one man. “It was very shocking,” he added, noting that he regularly visited the bar and narrowly avoided being there on the night of the fire.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:47 PM EST
EU pledges support after deadly Swiss fire
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday that the European Union is coordinating with Swiss authorities to provide medical assistance following the deadly fire at a ski resort.
Posting on social media, von der Leyen emphasized the bloc’s commitment to aiding victims and their families. “Europe stands in full solidarity with Switzerland,” she wrote.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST
Macron offers support after deadly Swiss resort fire
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Thursday to convey France’s solidarity following a fire that killed dozens at a ski resort.
“The toll is devastating. Our thoughts are with the families,” Macron wrote on X, underscoring the gravity of the tragedy. He added that French hospitals are treating injured victims and that diplomatic teams are closely monitoring the situation to assist French nationals affected by the disaster.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:16 PM EST
Fire victims strain hospital in Sion
Authorities said Thursday that about 60 people injured in the Crans‑Montana nightclub fire were taken to a hospital in Sion, placing heavy pressure on medical services in the region.
At a news conference, local official Mathias Reynard urged residents to avoid unnecessary visits to emergency rooms, warning that resources must remain available for the most critical cases. “If you want to be useful, be careful,” he said, stressing that avoidable situations could further burden already strained facilities.
The fire, which erupted during New Year’s celebrations, has left dozens dead and injured, with hospitals across Switzerland coordinating to handle the influx of patients.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:58 PM EST
Prosecutor outlines next steps in Crans-Montana fire investigation
Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor general for the Valais region, said Thursday that authorities are prioritizing the identification of victims from the Crans-Montana nightclub fire and the return of their bodies to families.
At a news conference, Pilloud noted that police have already interviewed several witnesses and will examine cell phones recovered at the scene to piece together what happened. She cautioned that “many circumstances” remain unclear but said the leading theory is that a widespread fire triggered an explosion inside the venue.
The investigation continues as officials work to establish the full scope of the disaster, which has left Switzerland reeling.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:40 PM EST
Panic as Crans-Montana bar fire erupts
Footage shared on social media captured the moment partygoers fled as flames tore through Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve.
The video, filmed by an onlooker, showed crowds rushing to escape the blaze as panic spread inside the packed venue. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people tried to push through narrow exits.
Authorities say dozens are feared dead and about 100 more injured, with victims believed to include foreign nationals from several countries. The disaster has cast a shadow over the Swiss resort, a popular holiday destination during the festive season.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:24 PM EST
Swiss hospitals treat victims of Crans-Montana fire
Swiss hospitals are caring for dozens of victims following the deadly nightclub fire in Crans-Montana. A spokesperson for Lausanne University Hospital said 22 patients with burn injuries have been admitted, with some receiving treatment in the burns unit and others in intensive care. The youngest patient is reportedly 16 years old.
University Hospital Zurich confirmed it is treating 12 patients for burns. Both facilities house Switzerland’s specialist burns units, making them central to the country’s response to one of its worst recent disasters.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:09 PM EST
Crans-Montana resort issues statement after tragedy
Crans-Montana Ski Resort Managing Director Pete Petrovski expressed condolences following a deadly incident near the Swiss resort, saying the company’s “thoughts are with the victims and their families.” He emphasized to Newsweek that the resort is focused on supporting employees, guests, and the broader community while coordinating with local authorities.
Officials clarified that the establishment where the tragedy occurred is not owned or operated by Crans-Montana Ski Resort or Vail Resorts. The mountain remains open for skiing, though the nearby Zerodix restaurant temporarily closed, with après-ski activities canceled until further notice. The restaurant is expected to reopen tomorrow.
Local hospitals are currently at capacity, and the resort has asked visitors to exercise caution on the slopes as the community continues to respond to the aftermath of the incident.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:49 PM EST
French couple identified as owners of Crans-Montana bar: Report
The owners of the nightclub destroyed in the Crans-Montana fire have been identified as a French couple who have lived in the Swiss resort area for nearly a decade, according to The Telegraph.
The pair reportedly operates three establishments in and around the town, including Le Constellation, where the blaze broke out during New Year’s celebrations. Local media said the wife was inside the venue when the fire began, while her husband was at another of their businesses.
BFMTV reported that she suffered burns to her arm and is in “complete shock” following the disaster, which left dozens dead and many more injured.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:32 PM EST
Local mourns friends lost in Crans-Montana fire
A grieving resident described the devastation left by the nightclub fire in Crans-Montana, recalling how he placed floral tributes at the scene for friends feared among the victims.
The man told The Telegraph that the club had been overcrowded, forcing him to leave before the blaze erupted. “My heart is bleeding,” he said, noting that two of his friends were inside at the time and remain unaccounted for.
He described the interior as “unrecognisable,” with everything charred after flames spread from the basement to the upper floors. Survivors struggled to break through glass barriers as the fire intensified.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:14 PM EST
Swiss medical system stretched after Crans-Montana fire
The deadly nightclub fire in Crans-Montana has overwhelmed hospitals in Switzerland’s Valais canton, where around 100 people were injured. Local officials said intensive care and operating rooms at Valais Hospital quickly reached capacity, forcing patients to be transferred elsewhere.
Mathias Reynart, president of the Valais Canton State Council, urged residents to avoid risky activities to ease pressure on the strained medical system. Swiss broadcasters reported that victims were transported to hospitals in Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, and other major cities.
Switzerland’s two specialist burn centers, located in Lausanne and Zurich, are treating the most severe cases. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Milan’s Niguarda Hospital is also prepared to receive patients, underscoring the international scope of the emergency response.
Jan 01, 2026 at 12:49 PM EST
Swiss president visits Crans-Montana after deadly fire
Swiss President Guy Parmelin traveled to Crans-Montana on Thursday ahead of a scheduled press conference at 4:15 p.m., following the nightclub fire that devastated the ski resort town on New Year’s Day.
Parmelin earlier postponed his traditional New Year’s address to the nation, which had been set for broadcast Thursday afternoon, saying the delay was out of respect for the victims and their families.
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Jan 01, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST
Helicopters and jets transport victims of Crans-Montana fire
Victims of the New Year’s Day nightclub fire in Crans-Montana have been airlifted to hospitals across Switzerland as emergency services mounted a large-scale response.
Swiss authorities said intensive care and surgery wards at the main hospital in Sion quickly filled, prompting the deployment of 10 helicopters and 150 medical responders. Rega, the Swiss Air Rescue service, confirmed three ambulance jets were used to transfer patients to major hospitals in Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne.
Philipp Simmen, Rega’s head of helicopter operations, told Swiss broadcaster SRF that many of the injured were young people. Lausanne University Hospital director Claire Charmet said her facility had admitted 22 patients, most between 16 and 26 years old.
Switzerland’s two specialist burn units, in Lausanne and Zurich, are treating the most severe cases, though officials said some victims could be transferred abroad if needed. Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani announced that Milan’s Niguarda Hospital has offered its burn unit to assist.
Jan 01, 2026 at 12:16 PM EST
Eyewitness recalls rescue efforts after Crans-Montana fire
An eyewitness described how nearby businesses became makeshift shelters and triage centers during the deadly nightclub fire in Crans-Montana.
Dominic Dubois told Reuters that Bar 1900 stayed open to provide warmth on the freezing night, even using curtains to help keep survivors comfortable. He said a local UBS bank branch also opened its doors, with tables pushed aside to allow space for injured victims and emergency triage.
Dubois recalled “many gory scenes” as survivors tried to remain calm despite grave danger. He said volunteers and bystanders carried bodies out of the fire, underscoring the scale of the tragedy and the community’s efforts to respond in the immediate aftermath.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:58 AM EST
Italians among victims of Crans-Montana fire
Italy’s foreign ministry said Thursday that 15 Italian nationals are being treated in hospital after suffering injuries in the Crans-Montana nightclub fire. Officials added that an unspecified number of Italians remain missing and unaccounted for.
Swiss authorities and the British embassy in Bern have warned that foreign nationals from several countries are likely among the victims of the New Year’s Eve blaze, which left dozens dead and around 100 injured.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:43 AM EST
Police report preliminary toll in Crans-Montana fire
Authorities in Crans-Montana said Thursday that about 40 people were killed and roughly 115 injured in the nightclub fire that tore through the Swiss resort town on New Year’s Day. Police emphasized that the figures remain preliminary as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
The blaze, which erupted during holiday celebrations, has already overwhelmed local hospitals and prompted transfers of patients to major medical centers across Switzerland and abroad. Officials are expected to provide updated casualty numbers as investigations into the cause of the fire advance.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:33 AM EST
Swiss officials report severe injuries from Crans-Montana fire
Local authorities in Switzerland said Thursday that many victims of the Crans-Montana nightclub fire remain in critical condition, with numerous patients suffering severe burns. Mathias Reynard, a senior official in the Valais canton, confirmed the gravity of the injuries during a news conference.
President Guy Parmelin announced that flags across Switzerland will be flown at half-mast for five days in honor of those killed and injured in what he described as one of the country’s worst tragedies. The disaster has overwhelmed hospitals and prompted international offers of medical support as the nation mourns.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:30 AM EST
‘What cruel irony’: Parmelin
Parmelin said: “This tragedy occurred in a place that is naturally associated with life and joy.
“What a terrible contrast, what cruel irony.”
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:28 AM EST
Swiss president calls Crans-Montana fire one of nation’s worst tragedies
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the nightclub fire in Crans-Montana as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced,” during a news conference Thursday.
Parmelin said “many lives, young for the most part, have been lost,” underscoring the scale of devastation from the New Year’s Day blaze. The disaster has already overwhelmed hospitals in the Valais canton and prompted international offers of medical support.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:21 AM EST
Swiss authorities to brief public on Crans-Montana fire
Swiss officials are preparing to hold a news conference on the nightclub fire in Crans-Montana, which erupted during New Year’s celebrations and left dozens dead and injured.
Authorities have not yet released an exact death toll, but the scale of the disaster has already overwhelmed local hospitals and prompted international assistance.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:13 AM EST
Police probe capacity limits after Crans-Montana fire
Swiss police are investigating whether Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana exceeded its permitted capacity when a deadly fire broke out on New Year’s Eve.
Authorities said more than 100 people were inside, while witnesses estimated closer to 200. The venue’s website lists capacity at 300 indoors and 40 on the terrace, though the limit for its low-ceiling basement remains unclear.
Videos showed the club densely packed as the blaze erupted. Survivors reported being forced to flee through a narrow staircase and small doorway, raising fears that some were trapped below as flames spread rapidly to the ground floor.
The investigation is focusing on crowding and safety conditions as officials assess how the disaster unfolded.
Jan 01, 2026 at 10:58 AM EST
Swiss hospitals treat over 100 victims of Crans-Montana fire
More than 100 people injured in the Crans-Montana nightclub fire have been transported to hospitals across Switzerland, officials said.
Lausanne University Hospital reported it has admitted 22 patients, while University Hospital Zurich is treating 12. Both facilities house the country’s specialist burns units.
Claire Charmet, director of Lausanne University Hospital, told Swiss newspaper 24 Heures that those admitted represent the most serious cases, with patients averaging between 16 and 26 years old. She said eight resuscitation procedures had already been performed, and victims were being moved into critical and specialized care.
Charmet cautioned that recovery will be “a long and intensive process, lasting several weeks, perhaps even months.” She added that all patients, including those unconscious, have been identified and connected with their families.
Authorities continue to assess the full scope of injuries as Switzerland’s medical system responds to one of the country’s deadliest recent disasters.
Jan 01, 2026 at 10:45 AM EST
Where exactly did the fire strike?
The deadly fire that broke out at a bar in Switzerland occurred in the Valais region, about two hours south of Bern. The area lies close to the French and Italian borders, underscoring the international character of the resort town where the incident unfolded.
Crans-Montana, a century-old ski destination in the French-speaking Alps, sits roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) from both France and Italy. The resort offers 140 kilometers of ski runs served by 24 lifts, making it one of the country’s premier winter sports hubs.
In relation to other Swiss resorts, Verbier is about 80 minutes away toward France, Zermatt lies at a similar distance but further south toward Italy, and St. Moritz is a five-hour drive east near the Liechtenstein border.
The fire has cast a shadow over one of Switzerland’s most popular alpine destinations, known for its sweeping views and international clientele.
Jan 01, 2026 at 10:28 AM EST
Swiss rescue chief says many victims of Crans-Montana fire are young
Swiss officials say a significant number of those injured in the Crans-Montana nightclub fire are young people. Philipp Simmen, head of the Swiss Air Rescue Helicopter team, told public broadcaster SRF that his crews quickly realized many of the patients being evacuated were youths.
Simmen’s team has been coordinating the transfer of victims to hospitals following the blaze, which killed dozens and left about 100 injured. The revelation highlights the devastating impact of the disaster on younger visitors to the resort, which is a popular holiday destination during the New Year period.
Jan 01, 2026 at 10:14 AM EST
Crans-Montana fire strikes historic Swiss ski resort
Crans-Montana, the century-old Swiss ski resort famed for its luxury appeal and international clientele, is reeling after a bar fire that reportedly killed dozens and injured about 100 more.
Located in the Valais region about 120 miles east of Geneva, the resort is known for its sweeping views over the Rhone Valley, high-end restaurants, and major sporting events, including World Cup ski races and golf tournaments. It was scheduled to host men’s and women’s World Cup races later this month.
The resort, visited by about 3 million people annually, was purchased in 2024 by Vail Resorts for 118.5 million Swiss francs (about $130 million). The U.S.-based operator has pledged significant investment in infrastructure upgrades, including snow-making facilities.
Authorities said victims of the fire at Le Constellation bar were likely of multiple nationalities, reflecting the resort’s diverse visitors, led by Swiss, Italian, and French tourists. The bar, described as a casual venue popular with young people and foreign guests, stood apart from the luxury nightspots for which Crans-Montana is known.
Travel organizer Amin Momen called the resort “a very chic international destination,” noting that December is a peak holiday period for families. The resort has long attracted celebrities, including late actor Roger Moore, who owned a home there.
Jan 01, 2026 at 09:59 AM EST
Swiss authorities say bar fire triggered explosions
Swiss officials investigating a deadly bar fire said the blaze escalated into a “flashover,” a phenomenon in which all combustible material in a room ignites almost simultaneously.
Authorities explained that the rapid spread of flames transformed the incident into a fully developed fire, leading to one or two explosions inside the venue.
Jan 01, 2026 at 09:47 AM EST
Survivor describes chaos after Crans-Montana nightclub fire
An Italian man told Rai News he is still waiting for word from a friend who was inside Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana when a deadly fire broke out on New Year’s Eve.
Standing with a group of companions, the man said several acquaintances had been celebrating inside. One spotted the flames early and alerted bodyguards, who went downstairs to investigate but quickly retreated when they saw the blaze spreading.
He recounted that one friend suffered severe burns, another was flown to Zurich for treatment, and a third remained missing as of the following night. “My friends and I, we haven’t slept, we’ve barely eaten,” he said.
Jan 01, 2026 at 09:32 AM EST
Witnesses blame sparklers for deadly Crans-Montana fire
Witnesses say sparklers attached to champagne bottles likely triggered the nightclub blaze in Crans-Montana that left multiple people dead.
Two people told CNN affiliate BFMTV that waitstaff carried bottles topped with sparklers too close to the ceiling, igniting it. One described a waitress standing on another waiter’s shoulders, holding a bottle with flames just centimeters from the ceiling.
“Within about ten seconds, the entire nightclub was on fire,” one witness said, recalling the panic as more than 200 people rushed to escape.
The accounts suggest the fire spread rapidly after the ceiling caught alight.
Jan 01, 2026 at 09:18 AM EST
U.S. Embassy issues statement on deadly Crans-Montana fire
The U.S. Embassy in Bern expressed sorrow Thursday over the deadly fire that swept through a bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, leaving dozens feared dead and scores injured.
In a press release, the Embassy said its “thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and their loved ones.” Officials praised the swift response of emergency crews and confirmed they are in close contact with Swiss authorities, who have set up a hotline for victims and families at +41 848 112 117.
Consular staff are prepared to assist U.S. citizens affected by the tragedy. The Embassy urged Americans in Switzerland to notify relatives of their safety and provided its emergency contact number: +41 31 357 7011.
The fire, which broke out during New Year’s celebrations, has prompted a state of emergency in the canton of Valais as investigators work to determine the cause.
Jan 01, 2026 at 08:46 AM EST
New Swiss president issues statement on deadly ski resort fire
In his first day in office, Swiss President Guy Parmelin shared his condolences and feelings of "deep dismay" following the fire that ripped through a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, leaving "several dozen" feared dead, according to officials.
"What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond," Parmelin wrote on X. "The Federal Council has taken note of this with deep dismay. Its thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families and it extends its deepest condolences."
Jan 01, 2026 at 07:43 AM EST
Bar patrons detail how tragedy unfolded: French media
Two women who were in the bar have told the French outlet BFMTV that a firework planted in a champagne bottle ignited the wooden ceiling of the nightclub.
In an interview also reported by local Swiss outlet Le Nouvelliste, the women named Emma and Albane said that within seconds the whole nightclub had caught fire.
“We all came out screaming and running," one said. Their account has not been independently confirmed and Swiss authorities have not revealed the cause of the fire, although have ruled out a terror attack.
Meanwhile, the Italian ambassador to Switzerland said it could take weeks to identify the dead, according to the BBC, citing Italian television.
Jan 01, 2026 at 06:59 AM EST
First pictures from inside Crans-Montana bar
Valais police have released video taken after the fire which shows the damage caused to the terrace of Le Constellation bar.
Footage shows chairs, benches and their cushions strewn across the room following the fire which is believed to have started on the lower floor.
The clip also showed general views of emergency services at the scene. Earlier, footage on social media and posted on the website of the outlet 20 Minutes showed flames inside the bar.
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Jan 01, 2026 at 06:18 AM EST
French citizens among the injured
France’s foreign ministry has confirmed that at least two of those injured in the fire were French citizens and had been taken into care by emergency services
The foreign ministry statement said that Paris was in contact with Swiss authorities and that it “extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the fire that broke out on 1 January in Crans-Montana."
Swiss authorities had earlier said they expected that the casualties from the fire would come from several nations and that several dozen had been killed and around 100 injured.
Jan 01, 2026 at 06:01 AM EST
Inside Le Constellation: The bar at the center of the Swiss Alps tragedy
Le Constellation is a well-known nightlife venue in Crans-Montana, located on Rue Centrale in the heart of the resort. According to a local tourism website, the bar blends a daytime café atmosphere with a lively evening scene, serving Starbucks coffee and pastries during the day before transforming into a cocktail lounge and party spot at night.
The venue features a lounge bar, a speakeasy-style section, and a shisha area, along with screens broadcasting sports events, the website said. It is described as having a festive vibe, with a resident DJ every evening during peak season.
Le Constellation is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., making it a fixture in Crans-Montana’s social scene for locals and international visitors alike, the tourism site notes.
Promotional photos from the site offer a look inside the venue.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:10 AM EST
Fire caused an explosion, and “not the other way around,” says prosecutor
The press conference is over, and the officials were asked if they could rule out a terror attack, Gisler replied that witnesses had indicated a “generalized conflagration” adding “the explosion is a consequence of the fire and not the other way around."
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:55 AM EST
Prosecutor won’t say if the bar breached safety regulations
The officials have been taking questions from the media for about 10 minutes and Valais Canton Prosecutor General Beatrice Pilloud would not be drawn on a query over whether the bar was overcrowded at the time of the fire, breaching safety regulations.
“I am asking everybody out of respect for the deceased and their families not to make any assumptions, these hurt the families,” she said, “the families are waiting for answers which we cannot yet give."
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:53 AM EST
Emergency response reveals scale of disaster
The emergency response included 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and more than 100 first responders, local council leader Mathias Reynard tells reporters.
Most of the injured have been sent to Valais hospital whose intensive care unit is now full, according to Reynard.
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:36 AM EST
Officials rule out terror attack
Pilloud appeared to rule out terrorism as a cause, saying that the investigation was focusing on a fire and that “at no time was there a question of any attack.”
“Out of respect for the families I am not able to tell you any more,” she added.
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:30 AM EST
Dozens “presumed” dead and around 100 people injured, police say
“We have identified 100 or so injured people, significantly in many cases, and sadly several dozen people are presumed to have died.”
After reading his statement, Gisler handed over to Valais canton Prosecutor General Beatrice Pilloud who said that an investigation had been launched and that police and medical resources had been deployed.
In particular, the priority would be to help return the bodies of those who had died to their families. “There is significant work to be carried out and this will require the closure of the district.”
When asked again about the precise number of dead, Gisler replied, "to be precise dozens of people are presumed to have died today."
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:25 AM EST
Police press conference underway—follow along
The press conference in Lens has just started with Frederic Gisler, police commander of the Valais canton, expressing his shock at the fire and his sympathies with the victims and their families.
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Jan 01, 2026 at 04:13 AM EST
Latest pictures from the scene of Crans-Montana fire
Photos from the site of the fire show barriers set up around the bar.
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Jan 01, 2026 at 04:06 AM EST
Police press conference set to begin shortly
As we await the press conference, Swiss media have been reporting that the death toll could be as high as 40.
The Swiss daily newspaper Blick cited a doctor at the scene who said the death toll could be in the “dozens” while regional daily Le Nouvelliste cited sources fearing “a heavy toll”, with “around 40 dead and 100 injured”.
Images published by Swiss media showed the building in flames, and people screaming and running in the dark.
Swiss media have reported that the fire may have started when pyrotechnics were used during a concert, but police have so far not confirmed the cause of the blaze.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:57 AM EST
At least 100 people were celebrating at bar where fire broke out
Valais canton police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion also told Sky News that there was at least 100 people in the bar at the time of the fire and that foreign tourists would likely to be among the victims.
A local resident told Swiss outlet 24 Heures that the sound of helicopters could be heard throughout the night as the rescue effort was under way.
“With the fireworks, we didn't understand what it was going on at first, and then we saw the smoke. It's terrible, a lot of young people go to this bar," the unnamed local told the outlet.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:54 AM EST
At least 10 killed in fire: Sky News
At least 10 people have been killed in the fire at a Swiss ski resort bar where people were celebrating New Year, Sky News has reported, citing local police.
The U.K. news outlet said that it had been told by Valais canton spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion that another 10 had been injured in the fire in Le Constellation bar but that terrorism was not initially being considered a cause for the incident.
Lathion had earlier said there was an explosion from an unknown location at the center of the site around 1.30 a.m. local time, Swiss outlet 24 Heures reported.
Police are expected to give a news conference at 10 a.m. local time.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:33 AM EST
Crans-Montana: The Swiss resort at the center of a tragedy
Crans-Montana is usually known for its postcard-perfect views and luxury ski slopes, not for disaster. Perched high in the Swiss Alps, the resort draws thousands of visitors each winter with its wide runs, upscale hotels, and lively nightlife.
The town sits about 25 miles north of the Matterhorn and has long been a magnet for international tourists seeking Alpine luxury. It’s also a regular stop on the professional skiing circuit, hosting major competitions and promising world-class conditions.
Crans-Montana is set to host major ski competitions later this month, including the FIS European Cup on January 13–14 and the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup from January 30 to February 1.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:18 AM EST
No-fly zone declared over Swiss ski resort after deadly fire
Authorities have imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana following a fire that broke out in the bar Le Constellation early Thursday. The measure was announced as part of the emergency response to the incident.
Officials have not provided further details about the duration of the flight ban or its scope. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:10 AM EST
Fire at Swiss ski resort bar triggers massive emergency response
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a devastating fire broke out inside the popular bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, deep in the Swiss Alps. The blaze, which started around 1:30 a.m. local time, left "many dead" and others injured, according to authorities.
Police, firefighters, and rescue teams flooded the scene to assist victims and contain the situation. Officials have completely sealed off the area while investigators are working to determine what sparked the tragedy.
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