A devastating fire during a New Year’s celebration in Switzerland has left approximately 40 people dead and around 115 others injured. The incident occurred at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a well-known ski resort, early Wednesday morning, January 1, 2026. The blaze ignited at approximately 1:30 a.m., according to Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler.
Witnesses reported that the fire was likely caused by bottles fitted with sparklers. Eyewitness accounts indicated that wait staff were carrying champagne bottles adorned with sparklers too close to the ceiling, which subsequently caught fire. One witness described seeing a waitress standing on another’s shoulders, with the flames dangerously close to the ceiling. “Once the ceiling was on fire, within about ten seconds the entire nightclub was on fire,” the witness recounted. Panic ensued as patrons fled, some reportedly breaking windows to escape the flames.
Emergency response was swift, with 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances deployed to the scene. Mathais Reynard, President of the Valais canton State Council, confirmed that many of the injured individuals are in critical condition. As the situation unfolded, officials cautioned that many victims might have come from abroad, further complicating the response efforts.
Investigation Underway, Terrorism Ruled Out
In the aftermath of the tragedy, authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire. Beatrice Pilloud, the local prosecutor, clarified that there is currently no evidence to suggest terrorism was involved. “At this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of (terror) attack,” she stated.
The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Swiss police reported approximately 40 fatalities, reflecting the international nature of the event. While the investigation continues, officials have stressed it is too early to provide definitive casualty figures.
Two witnesses estimated that around 200 people were present at the bar during the incident. Crans-Montana, located in the Valais region, is set to host World Cup ski races beginning January 30, ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympics. The community now faces the challenge of healing from this tragic event as families mourn the loss of their loved ones.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus will remain on understanding the circumstances that led to this catastrophic incident, while support efforts for the injured and bereaved are put in place.
