A devastating fire at a popular basement bar in a Swiss ski resort has left dozens dead and scores injured, casting a shadow over New Year's Eve celebrations. The blaze ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, in the early hours of the morning, with authorities confirming a significant loss of life.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
The incident occurred around 1:30am during New Year's festivities. While the exact cause remains under investigation, unconfirmed reports suggest a possible explosion, potentially from a firework, preceded the flames. Police Commander for Valais Canton, Frederic Gisler, stated that speculation on the origin was premature at this stage.
Emergency services responded swiftly. "Fire fighters secured the site quickly, police put in place a location to receive victims and care for families, a helpline was set up," Mr Gisler explained. The scale of the incident is severe, with around 40 people believed to have died and approximately 100 injured, some of them critically. The process of identifying victims and informing their families has begun but will take time.
The Scene Inside a 'Local Institution'
Le Constellation was described as a 'real institution' in the area, having been a fixture of the local nightlife for at least 40 years. Popular with a young crowd, the bar featured purple lighting and a central bar area. BBC reporter Silvia Costeloe noted its unpretentious, spacious layout, with an upstairs area for watching sports and a large downstairs bar for dancing.
Critical safety concerns have emerged from witness accounts. The nightspot is mainly located in a basement, and a client reported that there was only one entrance and exit. This single point of access may have severely hampered escape efforts as the fire took hold.
Investigation and Impact on Renowned Resort
The central street in Crans has been closed to facilitate the investigation. The tragedy has struck a resort known globally for its sporting pedigree. Crans-Montana, situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a top World Cup Alpine skiing venue and is scheduled to host the world championships in February 2027. It is also a premium international golf destination, home to the European Masters.
The municipality, formed from a merger of towns nine years ago, has been seeking to diversify its economy towards high-tech research. This devastating event, however, now places its tight-knit community of 10,000 residents and its tourist industry under a global spotlight for the most sombre of reasons. The victims are yet to be formally identified, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that tourists are among the casualties.
