A devastating fire tore through a crowded bar in the renowned Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, leaving at least around 40 people dead and about 115 others injured, many critically, authorities said as mourners and emergency crews grappled with the scale of the disaster.
The blaze erupted at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time at the popular nightlife venue Le Constellation, which was packed with revelers celebrating the New Year when the inferno began. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames rapidly engulfed the interior, forcing terrified patrons to flee through narrow exits or break windows to escape the smoke and heat.
Swiss officials, joined by Swiss President Guy Parmelin, held a somber press briefing on Friday, with Valais cantonal police commander Frédéric Gisler confirming the provisional toll. He reiterated that the numbers were still subject to change as rescue workers continued searching the wreckage and hospitals treated the wounded.
Investigators face the painful and painstaking task of identifying the victims, many of whom were badly burned, with Swiss authorities indicating that forensic teams will have to rely on dental records and DNA to complete the process. A number of the injured have been flown or transferred to specialist burn units in various Swiss cities and neighbouring France due to the severity of their injuries.
Initial reports suggested the fire may have been triggered accidentally. Video circulated on social media appears to show the ceiling alight before the blaze spread, and some early accounts from survivors point to champagne bottles with decorative “sparkler” candles being carried near the wooden ceiling moments before the fire erupted. Authorities, however, have not yet determined an official cause and have ruled out terrorism or deliberate attack.
Crans-Montana, nestled in the Valais canton of the Swiss Alps, is a magnet for international tourists, particularly during the winter season. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and beyond, prompting Switzerland to declare a period of mourning and lower flags for several days as the nation comes to terms with one of its deadliest civilian disasters in decades.
French and Italian officials confirmed that foreign nationals, including citizens from neighboring countries, were among the missing and injured, highlighting the international impact of the catastrophe. Governments have offered assistance, and hotlines have been established for families seeking news of loved ones believed to have been at the bar.
Emergency services from across the region responded swiftly, deploying dozens of ambulances, helicopters and disaster response units to manage the scene and transport the wounded. Hospitals in Lausanne, Geneva and other cities reported receiving numerous burn and trauma patients, straining intensive care resources as doctors worked nonstop to save lives.
As investigators comb through the charred remains of the bar and interview survivors, the community and families of victims wait anxiously for answers and updates. The fire at Le Constellation has not only darkened what should have been a festive night but also posed urgent questions on safety standards at public venues and emergency preparedness during crowded celebrations, issues that are likely to come under scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
