Multiple people have been killed and dozens injured following a catastrophic fire that erupted at a popular bar in the Swiss Alps during New Year's celebrations. The incident occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day in the renowned ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Chaos in the Early Hours
Police confirmed the deadly blaze started at around 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) inside a bar named 'Le Constellation'. At the time, more than a hundred people were inside the venue, which is located in a resort frequented by international tourists.
Shocking footage from the scene shows ambulances racing to the location and a massive emergency service presence, with police, fire crews, and paramedics working through the night. Distressing clips also captured people scrambling for safety, escaping through the bar's front window as flames raged behind them.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion stated, "We are seeing many injured and many dead." He confirmed that a reception centre and a dedicated helpline have been established for impacted families.
The fire was brought under control by early morning. The area remains completely cordoned off and a no-fly zone has been enforced over Crans-Montana to facilitate the work of air ambulances transporting the injured to hospital.
While the investigation is in its preliminary stages, initial reports suggest that pyrotechnics used during the New Year's event may have triggered an explosion, leading to the rapid spread of the fire. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
Aftermath and Strain on Services
The consequences of the tragedy are severe. Hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland have reportedly been 'overwhelmed' with burn victims. The pressure on local medical services is so intense that one doctor publicly urged people to avoid "risky" activities on New Year's Day to free up capacity.
This devastating incident has cast a shadow over the start of 2026 in the normally festive Alpine resort, with a community and international visitors left in mourning.
