Swiss Alps New Year bar fire leaves dozens feared dead, scores injured
“A New Year’s Day fire at a crowded bar in Crans-Montana triggered a massive rescue operation, with dozens feared dead and around 100 seriously injured.”
Key points
- A New Year’s Day fire at a crowded bar in Crans-Montana triggered a massive rescue operation, with dozens feared dead and around 100 seriously injured.
- Authorities say identification is ongoing and the cause is still under investigation.
A major fire ripped through a packed bar in the Swiss Alps in the early hours of New Year’s Day, with authorities warning that “several tens” of people are feared dead and around 100 others have been seriously injured.
The blaze broke out at about 1:30am at Le Constellation, a bar and lounge in the resort town of Crans-Montana, shortly after crowds had gathered to welcome 2026. Police said parts of the structure were still unsafe to enter, delaying victim identification and a confirmed death toll.
Emergency services mounted a large-scale response, including helicopters and ambulances transferring victims to hospitals across the region. Officials said nearby facilities quickly reached capacity, forcing patients to be redirected to other medical centres, and confirmed that some foreign nationals were among the injured.
Prosecutors said it was too soon to determine the cause of the fire and dismissed speculation about an attack. Witness accounts cited by local media described scenes of panic as people tried to escape through narrow exits. Swiss President Guy Parmelin issued condolences, calling the incident a devastating tragedy on a night meant for celebration.
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