Crans-Montana, Switzerland: Swiss investigators are working urgently to identify victims after a devastating fire tore through a packed bar during a New Year’s Eve celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and injuring at least 115.
The blaze, which broke out around 1.30 am at the Le Constellation bar, has plunged Switzerland into mourning. President Guy Parmelin announced five days of national mourning, calling the tragedy one of the most traumatic events in the country’s history. He said the loss of so many young lives had shocked the nation and stressed that Switzerland had a responsibility to ensure such a disaster never happened again.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Witnesses said the flames may have started after sparklers or flares were placed into champagne bottles. Some reported that a burning bottle ignited the ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Within moments, flames engulfed the basement area, where a large crowd was gathered. Many of those inside were teenagers, and survivors described scenes of panic as people tried to escape up a narrow staircase.
Police said identifying the dead could take days or even weeks. The exact number of people inside the bar at the time remains unclear, and authorities have not said how many are still missing. The chief prosecutor of Valais canton, Beatrice Pilloud, said major resources had been deployed to identify victims and return them to their families as quickly as possible. She added that investigators would examine whether the venue met safety standards and had adequate exits.
Hospitals across Switzerland were stretched as the injured were taken to medical centres in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich. Some victims were also transferred to neighbouring countries. Several suffered severe burns and lung injuries. The European Union said it was in contact with Swiss authorities to offer assistance, while France confirmed that some injured people were being treated in French hospitals.
Many of those caught in the fire were visitors from abroad. Italy said 16 of its citizens were missing and 12 were injured. France reported eight nationals missing and said some French citizens may be among the dead. One Australian was confirmed to be injured.
What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond. 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.
— Guy Parmelin (@ParmelinG) January 1, 2026
On Thursday evening, hundreds gathered in freezing temperatures for a silent vigil, laying flowers and lighting candles. Many in the crowd knew people who were missing or badly injured.
Residents described Le Constellation as a popular venue for young people. The bar, which opened in 2015, could hold up to 300 people inside, with additional space on a heated terrace. Some said New Year’s Eve events were often crowded and loosely monitored.
Crans-Montana, home to about 10,000 residents, is a well-known ski resort in the Valais canton, attracting visitors from across Europe. As the town mourns, authorities have urged caution in the coming days, warning that emergency and medical services are already under severe strain.
