At least 40 people are feared dead and more than 100 injured after a massive fire ripped through a crowded bar at the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, according to regional media reports. Swiss daily Le Nouvelliste, citing local sources, described a “heavy toll,” while Blick quoted a doctor at the scene as saying fatalities could run into the “dozens.”
The blaze broke out at around 1:30 am (0030 GMT) at Le Constellation bar, a popular nightlife venue frequented by tourists, Swiss police said early Thursday. The fire erupted as revellers gathered to ring in the New Year, with authorities confirming multiple casualties, though the exact number has yet to be officially verified.
“There has been a fire of undetermined origin. There are several injured and several dead,” Gaetan Lathion, a spokesperson for police in the canton of Valais (Wallis), told reporters. He added that more than 100 people were inside the bar at the time, and that the majority of victims are believed to be tourists visiting the resort for the holiday season.
“We are only at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with many foreign visitors,” Lathion said.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters and medical teams, were rushed to the scene, while multiple helicopters were deployed for evacuation and rescue operations. Authorities have sealed off the area and imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana, as search and rescue efforts continue. A hotline has also been set up for relatives seeking information about those affected.
Unverified images and videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the bar where New Year’s Eve celebrations were underway. Swiss media reports suggested the fire may have been triggered by pyrotechnics used during a concert, though police said the cause remains unknown and under investigation.
Crans-Montana is a high-end alpine resort located in Switzerland’s Valais region, roughly two hours from Bern. Known for its extensive ski trails and luxury tourism, the town is especially popular with international visitors, including British tourists. The resort is also scheduled to host a FIS World Cup speed skiing event later this winter.
Authorities said further details on casualties, nationalities and the cause of the fire will be released once confirmed, urging the public to avoid speculation as the investigation progresses.
