A devastating explosion and fire has struck a popular bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana during New Year's celebrations, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Scene of the New Year's Tragedy
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday 1 January 2026, at approximately 1.30am local time. The blast tore through Le Constellation, a well-known tourist bar located in the Wallis canton of southwestern Switzerland. The venue was packed with revellers gathered to welcome the new year when the explosion, of as yet unknown origin, happened.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Swiss police have confirmed that several people were killed in the incident and a number of others were injured. Official figures on the exact number of casualties are still being verified by the authorities. Images released by Swiss media outlets showed the bar building completely engulfed in flames, with a significant emergency service deployment working to bring the blaze under control.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
Crans-Montana is a world-renowned destination for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the New Year period in the resort. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is now underway. The focus for emergency teams remains on securing the scene and providing support to the victims and their families.
