Forty Feared Dead in New Year Fire at Swiss Alps Bar
New Year’s Eve Tragedy in Crans-Montana: Major Fire and Blast at Alpine Bar Leaves Many Dead and Injured.
A catastrophic fire and explosion at a popular bar in the Swiss Alps has left dozens feared dead and many more injured as revelers celebrated the arrival of 2026 in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, local authorities said early Thursday.
The blast and ensuing blaze occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. local time on January 1, 2026, at Le Constellation, a bar that was hosting a busy New Year’s Eve party. The venue was crowded with patrons — estimated at more than 100 people — when the explosion tore through the establishment and sparked a rapidly spreading fire.
Regional media outlets have cited preliminary reports suggesting that around 40 people may have died, though Swiss authorities have not yet confirmed an exact death toll. Around 100 people are believed to have been injured, many with serious burns, according to officials overseeing the emergency response.
Emergency services mobilised swiftly in the immediate aftermath, deploying helicopters, ambulances and rescue teams to the scene. Police have cordoned off the area and imposed a no-fly zone over the resort as firefighters and medical personnel work to contain the blaze and treat victims.
Swiss authorities have described the incident as a fire of undetermined origin, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the explosion and subsequent inferno. Officials have also emphasised that there is no indication of terrorism or deliberate wrongdoing at this stage.
The tragedy has struck one of Switzerland’s most renowned winter destinations during one of its busiest nights of the year. Crans-Montana, nestled in the Valais canton near the Matterhorn, regularly draws international tourists for skiing, nightlife and festivities.
As rescue and identification efforts continue, authorities have established support centres and helplines for families of those affected. Hospitals in the region are managing a surge of patients while medical teams coordinate transfers to larger facilities for specialised care.
The Swiss public and international community have begun reacting with shock and sorrow as more details emerge from what was meant to be a night of celebration, but has turned into a devastating start to the new year.