Switzerland – A devastating fire has claimed at least 40 lives and left 115 others injured at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland’s renowned ski resort town, during New Year’s celebrations. The Crans-Montana fire erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning, transforming what should have been a festive celebration into one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies in recent memory.
Deadly Blaze Strikes During New Year’s Celebrations
The Crans-Montana fire broke out at approximately 1:30 AM local time at Le Constellation bar while revelers were celebrating the arrival of the new year. Swiss authorities held a joint press conference where Commander of the Valais Cantonal Police, Frederic Gisler, confirmed the devastating toll for the first time since the incident occurred.
“As I speak to you, we have identified around 40 people who have died, and another 115 people severely injured,” Gisler stated during the press conference attended by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and other senior officials.
The bar, located in one of Switzerland’s most popular winter destinations, was packed with tourists and locals marking the beginning of 2026 when disaster struck. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, working throughout the night and into the day to rescue survivors and recover victims from the wreckage.
Investigation Underway Into Cause of Fire
While the exact cause of the Crans-Montana fire remains under investigation, eyewitnesses near the incident site have suggested that pyrotechnics may have triggered the massive blaze. However, authorities are proceeding cautiously with their investigation.
Beatrice Pilloud, Valais Canton’s attorney general, emphasized during the press conference that it was premature to determine the fire’s cause. She explained that experts have not yet been able to enter the wreckage to conduct a thorough examination of the scene.
“At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,” Pilloud told reporters, ruling out any terrorism-related motives behind the tragedy. Police reiterated this stance earlier, confirming they are treating the incident as an accidental fire rather than a deliberate act.
Emergency Response and Security Measures
In response to the Crans-Montana fire, authorities implemented comprehensive security measures around the affected area. Police announced that the site has been “completely closed to the public” to facilitate rescue operations and investigative work.
Additionally, officials imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to prevent interference with emergency helicopter operations and to maintain security at the scene. These measures remained in effect as rescue teams continued their painstaking work of searching through the damaged structure.
The scale of the tragedy has required coordination among multiple emergency services, including firefighters, police, medical personnel, and specialized rescue teams. Hearses were seen outside Le Constellation bar as authorities worked to retrieve victims and transport the injured to nearby medical facilities.
Impact on Crans-Montana Resort Community
The Crans-Montana fire has sent shockwaves through the international ski community and beyond. The resort is renowned worldwide as a premier destination for skiing and golf, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The transformation of Le Constellation bar from a place of celebration to a scene of tragedy has deeply affected both residents and tourists.
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The resort was scheduled to host the FIS World Cup speed skiing event later this month, though it remains unclear how this devastating incident will affect those plans. The Crans-Montana fire has raised questions about safety protocols at entertainment venues in resort areas during peak tourist seasons.
Switzerland Mourns National Tragedy
The presence of Swiss President Guy Parmelin at the press conference underscored the national significance of the Crans-Montana fire. As investigations continue and authorities work to identify all victims, Switzerland faces one of its most tragic incidents in recent history.
The severely injured victims have been transported to hospitals across the region, where medical teams are working to provide life-saving treatment. Families of victims are being supported by authorities as they await information about their loved ones.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in crowded entertainment venues, particularly during major celebrations when occupancy levels are at their highest. As the investigation into the Crans-Montana fire continues, authorities will likely examine all aspects of the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The resort town of Crans-Montana, typically associated with winter sports excellence and luxury tourism, now faces the difficult task of recovering from this unprecedented disaster while supporting the victims, their families, and the affected community members who witnessed this horrific event.
