Tragedy Strikes New Year's Celebration in Crans-Montana
A devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left dozens dead and more than 100 injured, many with severe burns, in what authorities are calling one of the worst nightlife disasters in recent Swiss history. The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. on New Year's Day 2026 during celebrations at the popular establishment, which had a capacity of 300 people and was reportedly crowded with revelers.
Massive Emergency Response
Emergency services mounted a massive response to the tragedy, deploying 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and approximately 150 responders to the scene. The Valais cantonal police cordoned off the area and imposed a no-fly zone to facilitate rescue operations. Victims were airlifted to hospitals across Switzerland, including specialized burn centers in Lausanne and Zürich, as local facilities quickly reached capacity.
'The intensive care unit at Valais hospital is now completely full,' a hospital spokesperson confirmed to reporters. 'We've had to transfer patients to other Swiss hospitals to manage the overwhelming number of serious burn cases.'
International Victims and Investigation
Authorities confirmed that victims include people from multiple nationalities, reflecting the international nature of the luxury ski resort. While the exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, police have described the death toll as 'several dozen.' The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has established a helpline for concerned families.
Police have ruled out a terrorist attack as the cause, with initial reports suggesting possible pyrotechnics from a New Year's concert may have triggered the blaze. 'We are favoring a fire as the cause, though we initially reported an explosion,' said Valais police spokesperson Jean-Marc Sandoz. 'The prosecutor-general has launched a full investigation to determine exactly what happened.'
Popular Destination for Young People
Le Constellation bar was a popular institution in Crans-Montana, known for attracting young people from various countries who gathered to watch football matches and socialize. The bar had been operating for at least 40 years and was particularly busy during holiday periods.
Crans-Montana, located in the canton of Valais about two hours from Bern, is a renowned luxury ski destination in the Swiss Alps. The resort features 140 kilometers of ski slopes, hosts major events like the Omega European Masters golf tournament, and is home to the prestigious Les Roches International School of Hotel Management.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Swiss tourism industry and international community, with condolences pouring in from around the world. As investigations continue, authorities are urging people to avoid risky activities to prevent further strain on emergency medical services.