What We Know: Deadly Fire at Crans-Montana Luxury Ski Resort Leaves Dozens Dead as Switzerland Declares State of Emergency
A New Year celebration at one of Europe’s most exclusive ski resorts turned into tragedy in the early hours of January 1, 2026, when a fire tore through a crowded bar in Crans-Montana, killing dozens and injuring over 100 others, according to Swiss police and emergency officials. The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time at the Constellation lounge bar, has prompted a state of emergency across the Valais canton, while investigators continue efforts to determine the cause of the blaze.
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| At least 40 have been killed in a deadly fire at Crans-Montana Ski Resort. Via: World Source News |
Witnesses reported that the fire erupted rapidly after sparklers mounted on champagne bottles came dangerously close to the ceiling, igniting flammable materials above. According to first-hand accounts shared with French media, the entire venue was engulfed in flames within seconds.
🇨🇭|•|A devastating fire swept through a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during a New Year’s Eve party, leaving at least 40 dead and around 100 seriously injured, authorities said.
— WashingtonAmerica.Net (@WADailyNews) January 1, 2026
The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. while more than 100 people were inside. Many… pic.twitter.com/pdB7oHLzya
With approximately 200 people believed to be inside at the time, the fire overwhelmed the establishment. Swiss police have confirmed “several dozen” fatalities, although exact numbers have not yet been released.
The Italian Foreign Ministry, citing information from Swiss authorities, has estimated around 40 deaths. Severe burns and structural damage have complicated efforts to identify victims. Swiss police commander Frédéric Gisler acknowledged during a press briefing that victims are likely to be of multiple nationalities.
In total, ten helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 emergency medical personnel were mobilized in response to the crisis. Images from the aftermath show charred interiors, scattered furniture, and emergency vehicles surrounding the venue.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 1, 2026
Many killed and wounded in an explosion at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana pic.twitter.com/kkGaaPRcRR
A no-fly zone was established above the area, and the resort remains sealed off to the public as investigators secure the site. Authorities have reiterated that the event is being treated solely as a fire, and there is no indication of a terror-related motive at this stage.
The fire’s explosive spread was attributed to rapid combustion dynamics within the venue. Valais State Council member Stéphane Ganzer, a former firefighter, explained that a heat flash effect led to a widespread interior explosion once the blaze gained momentum.
Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said that a formal cause would not be known for some time and that investigators would only proceed once the scene was fully secure. A police helpline has been opened for families seeking information about loved ones who were at the venue.
The bar at the center of the tragedy, Le Constellation, was described as a popular nightlife spot with a capacity of 300 patrons. It includes multiple bars, a terrace, and a shisha area, making it one of the resort’s high-profile venues.
Crans-Montana, with a population of roughly 15,000, is a major destination for international visitors and a regular host of events like the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup and the Omega European Masters. It is scheduled to host the World Alpine Skiing Championships in February 2027.
Authorities confirmed that fireworks had already been banned in the area ahead of New Year’s Eve, due to elevated fire risk from prolonged dry weather. The resort, which sits at 1,500 meters above sea level, is known for its sun exposure and dry alpine climate. The presence of flammable decorations and use of indoor pyrotechnics during celebrations are now central to the ongoing investigation.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended “full solidarity and fraternal support” to Switzerland, noting the tragic nature of the loss during a moment that should have marked celebration.
France’s foreign ministry confirmed that two of its citizens were among the injured and were being treated by Swiss emergency services. Consular teams remain in contact with authorities. The United States Embassy in Bern also issued a statement expressing deep sadness and offering consular support to affected American citizens.
🚨BREAKING; At least 10 DEAD after a HUGE EXPLOSION at a luxurious Swiss ski resort 🇨🇭
— BRITAIN IS BROKEN 🇬🇧 (@BROKENBRITAIN0) January 1, 2026
Several people were killed, and dozens of others injured after an explosion rocked a bar in the luxurious alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said❗️
This is a developing story. pic.twitter.com/h1bC3lWPd9
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who assumed office for his new one-year term on January 1, delayed his national address in light of the catastrophe. In a public message, he described the incident as a national tragedy and a moment of collective grief for Switzerland.
“What should have been a happy occasion on the first day of the year has turned into a tragic loss that touches the whole country and far beyond,” Parmelin stated.
The Valais State Council’s declaration of emergency provides legal authority for prolonged emergency coordination and the implementation of large-scale response measures in the region. The Constellation venue remains under full lockdown as forensic and fire safety teams work to establish a definitive cause.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether safety violations or negligence contributed to the disaster, though local officials have acknowledged the potential role of human error in the ignition sequence. Early reports suggest that pyrotechnic use indoors, despite external bans on fireworks, may become a focal point of future legal scrutiny.
Crans-Montana receives roughly three million visitors annually, with around 20 percent coming from abroad, including from France, the UK, Italy, and the United States.
A devastating tragedy occurred in Switzerland on New Year’s Day. According to available information, about forty people were killed and around one hundred were injured as a result of an explosion at the Crans-Montana ski resort. We grieve every time lives are lost. The most…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 1, 2026
With tourism peak season underway, international concern is rising over the implications for safety standards at elite European resorts. Diplomatic missions from multiple countries have said they are ready to assist nationals affected by the fire.
The incident has raised urgent questions about event safety in enclosed public spaces, fire prevention enforcement, and the use of visual effects during celebratory gatherings. While the nation awaits clarity, the mountain resort known for serene vistas now becomes a somber site of one of the country’s worst civilian fire tragedies in recent memory.