Tragedy in Swiss Ski Resort Bar,
An evening of celebration in the Swiss Alps turned into a devastating tragedy in the early hours of New Year’s Day.A fire tore through Le Constellation, a popular bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, killing about 40 people and injuring around 115 others, many of them seriously. Police and rescue teams called it one of the worst civilian disasters in recent Swiss history. AP News+1
local time on January 1, 2026, when the The tragedy occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m.r was packed with holiday revelers marking the arrival of the new year. Dozens of young people and tourists packed the venue, chatting and dancing, when flames suddenly engulfed the interior. SWI swissinfo.ch
Officials said the fire spread so quickly that many guests were trapped before they could escape. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of people scrambling for exits and breaking windows to flee the blaze. One survivor recounted being trapped in smoke so thick it was nearly impossible to see. SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss police and forensic teams have not yet released an exact toll, but authorities are working around the clock to identify victims through dental records and DNA samples due to the severity of the burns. Officials have urged families to be patient, saying it may take days before names can be confirmed and bodies returned. CBS News
Cause Under Investigation
International Toll and Response
A Night of Celebration Turned Nightmare
References
While the official inquiry is ongoing, investigators believe the fire may have started when sparklers attached to Champagne bottles came too close to the wooden ceiling, igniting flammable material above and triggering a rapid spread of flames. Fire experts describe such rapid escalation as a “flashover,” where intense heat causes all combustible material in a room to burst into flame. AP News+1
Initial reports indicate no evidence of foul play or terrorism, and authorities stress the incident appears to be a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act. The Guardian
Crans-Montana attracts tourists from across Europe and beyond. Among the identified victims is 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who was believed to be celebrating with friends. Italian officials say several of their citizens remain missing or hospitalized. Reuters
Hospitals in the region were quickly overwhelmed, with intensive care units in Valais canton filled to capacity. Burn victims were transferred to facilities in Lausanne, Zürich, and even neighboring countries to receive urgent care. SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described Friday’s events as a national tragedy in an emotional statement, urging unity and support for the victims’ families. A reception center and helpline have been set up to assist relatives seeking news of loved ones. Al Jazeera
What should have been a joyful celebration among friends became one of the darkest nights in the resort’s history. Survivors describe moments of horror as smoke and fire filled the bar, forcing frantic attempts to escape through narrow exits or broken windows. People.com
Neighbors and fellow residents have begun leaving flowers and candles outside the cordoned-off site, trying in their own way to mourn lives lost in the tragedy. WSLS
As authorities continue their investigation and identification efforts, the world is watching the Alpine town of Crans-Montana cope with a heartbreaking start to the year.
A night meant for celebration has become a reminder of how fragile life can be. For families and friends still waiting for news, the pain is just beginning.
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AP News — About 40 people killed and 115 injured in a Swiss bar fire. AP News
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CBS News — Investigators link the fire to Champagne bottle sparklers at Le Constellation. CBS News
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Al Jazeera — Fire tore through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations. Al Jazeera
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Reuters — Officials start the difficult task of identifying badly burned victims. Reuters
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Reuters/other outlets — First identified victim: 16-year-old Italian golfer. Reuters