ISLAMABAD: A devastating fire ripped through a crowded bar in the upscaleSwiss Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana early on New Year’s Day, claimingthe lives of around 40 people and injuring at least 115 others many withsevere burns. The incident at Le Constellation bar occurred shortly aftermidnight as revellers welcomed 2026 turning a moment of joy into one ofSwitzerland’s worst tragedies in recent years. Authorities have ruled outany attack describing it as a fire incident under thorough investigationamid widespread shock.
The blaze erupted at approximately 01:30 local time when smoke was firstnoticed emanating from the popular venue known for attracting internationaltourists and young crowds during the holiday season. Eyewitness accountssuggest the fire may have started from festive elements such as sparklersattached to champagne bottles igniting the ceiling though officials havecautioned that the exact cause remains undetermined pending forensicanalysis. The bar which could accommodate up to 300 people inside and 40 onits terrace was reportedly packed with celebrants from variousnationalities making the evacuation chaotic and contributing to the highcasualty figures.
Swiss authorities led by Valais canton prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud swiftlydeclared that there was no indication of terrorism or deliberate arsonemphasizing a focus on accidental fire scenarios. In a press conferencecantonal police commander Frédéric Gisler expressed profound sorrow statingthe community was devastated by the scale of the loss. Significantresources have been mobilized to identify victims many suffering severeinjuries that have complicated the process while efforts continue to returnremains to grieving families as quickly as possible.
Emergency response was immediate and massive involving ten helicoptersforty ambulances and around 150 personnel who worked through the night. Theintensive care unit at Valais hospital in Sion filled rapidly promptingtransfers of burn victims to facilities in Lausanne Geneva Zurich and evena standby specialist burns unit in Milan Italy. A no-fly zone was imposedover Crans-Montana and the area cordoned off to facilitate investigationsand support operations highlighting the extraordinary mobilization requiredfor such a crisis in a remote Alpine setting.
Crans-Montana a luxurious resort in the Valais canton renowned for its skislopes golf courses and views toward the Matterhorn attracts wealthyEuropean tourists especially during the peak Christmas and New Year period.Le Constellation a bar nightclub and café remodeled in 2015 by a Frenchcouple had mixed online reviews citing concerns over management and safetybut remained a lively spot for younger visitors. The tragedy has promptedquestions about venue capacity narrow staircases and compliance with firesafety regulations which will form part of the ongoing probe.
Political leaders including Swiss President Guy Parmelin who assumed officeon the day of the incident visited the site and conveyed national mourningdescribing it as a tragedy affecting the entire country and beyond.Condolences poured in from neighboring nations such as Italy and Germany aswell as the United States with foreign ministries monitoring developmentsfor their citizens possibly among the victims. Italy’s ambassador reportedseveral nationals missing or injured underscoring the internationaldimension of the loss.
As dawn broke over the snow-covered resort impromptu vigils formed near thecordoned site where flowers and candles accumulated in tribute to thevictims. The incident recalls previous Alpine tragedies in Switzerlandreminding authorities and the public of the risks associated with crowdedfestive venues in mountainous regions. Investigations are expected to taketime with experts yet to fully access the wreckage but the priority remainssupporting the affected families and ensuring lessons are learned toprevent future calamities.
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The New Year celebrations in Crans-Montana which typically blend luxuryskiing with vibrant nightlife have been overshadowed by profound grief.While the slopes remain open the mood in the town of about 10,000 residentshas shifted to one of solemn reflection as the nation grapples with theaftermath of this heartbreaking event.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/several-killed-after-explosion-swiss-ski-resort-bar-bbc-reports-2026-01-01/
Tags: Switzerland, Crans-Montana, Le Constellation, Valais Canton
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