A devastating fire at a New Year’s celebration in the Swiss Alps has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 people and left around 115 others injured. The blaze erupted early on January 1, 2026, at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a well-known ski resort town, according to officials from the Valais Cantonal Police.
The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m., during a packed party that reportedly included around 200 attendees. Witnesses recounted that the flames were sparked by champagne bottles fitted with sparklers, which were carried too close to the ceiling. “There were waitresses carrying champagne bottles with sparklers on them, and they carried them too close to the ceiling,” one witness stated. Another witness described a chaotic scene as the fire engulfed the nightclub almost instantly, saying, “Once the ceiling was on fire, within about ten seconds the entire nightclub was on fire.”
As the situation escalated, survivors attempted to escape through smashed windows. Emergency services quickly deployed 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances to the scene, said Mathais Reynard, President of the Valais canton State Council. Many of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Investigation Underway, No Terrorism Links Found
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with Beatrice Pilloud, the local prosecutor, confirming that terrorism is not a factor. “At this stage, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of attack,” Pilloud asserted. The Italian Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that many victims may have been foreign nationals, with Swiss police estimating around 40 fatalities.
The tragic event has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at public gatherings, particularly in venues that host large crowds. As Crans-Montana prepares to host World Cup ski races starting on January 30, officials will likely review safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Despite the immediate chaos, local authorities are focused on supporting the victims and their families. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic incident.
