A devastating fire during a New Year’s celebration at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 people and left around 115 others injured early on January 1, 2026. The fire ignited around 1:30 a.m. at the Le Constellation bar, which was packed with revelers at the time of the incident, according to officials from the Valais Cantonal Police.
Witnesses reported that the fire may have been triggered by champagne bottles topped with sparklers. Two patrons indicated that waitresses inadvertently carried these bottles too close to the ceiling, igniting the flames. One witness described a chaotic scene: “Once the ceiling was on fire, within about ten seconds the entire nightclub was on fire. We all ran out screaming, and when we turned back, there were flames.” Another witness noted that survivors had to break windows to escape the inferno.
Emergency services swiftly responded, deploying 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances to the scene. According to Mathais Reynard, President of the Valais canton State Council, many of the injured are in critical condition, with authorities working to identify the victims, many of whom are believed to be foreign nationals.
Investigation Underway
Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that an investigation into the incident has commenced, although authorities have ruled out terrorism as a cause. “I would like to clarify that, at this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of attack,” Pilloud stated.
The Italian Foreign Ministry has acknowledged that Swiss police reported around 40 fatalities, although officials caution that it remains too early to provide definitive numbers. It has been estimated that the bar was at full capacity, hosting approximately 200 individuals during the celebration.
Crans-Montana and Future Events
Crans-Montana is a renowned ski resort located in the Valais region of Switzerland, attracting visitors from around the globe. The resort is set to host World Cup ski races starting on January 30, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. The recent tragedy has cast a shadow over these anticipated events, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic incident.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
