In the early hours of January 1, 2026, a devastating fire engulfed Le Constellation, a popular bar located in the renowned Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, resulting in the deaths of many individuals and injuring approximately 100 others, many with serious wounds.
Crans-Montana is internationally recognized for its ski slopes and golf courses, hosting prestigious sporting events, including upcoming World Cup ski races as a lead-up to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, and annual European Masters golf tournaments. However, its vibrant New Year's revelry abruptly turned tragic when flames erupted in the crowded basement nightclub of this Alpine destination.
Authorities report that "several tens of people" are presumed dead, though the exact number remains unconfirmed as efforts to identify victims and notify relatives are ongoing. Police commander Frédéric Gisler of the Valais Canton expressed the community's devastation during a press briefing, acknowledging the time it would take to ascertain precise casualty figures.
Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud confirmed the investigation is at an early stage, with fire experts not yet able to enter the site to determine the cause. She ruled out any suspicion of a deliberate attack, emphasizing that no indication exists pointing to foul play.
Emergency responders, including helicopters and ambulances, rushed to the scene to assist victims. Many attending the event hailed from different countries, underscoring the resort's international draw during holiday celebrations.
Witnesses recount that the fire began when a barmaid, carried on a barman's shoulders, held a lit candle placed in a bottle that accidentally ignited the wooden ceiling. The fire quickly spread, causing the ceiling to collapse. Patrons attempted to evacuate via a narrow stairway leading from the basement nightclub, resulting in panic and a dangerous crowd surge.
Some accounts describe frantic guests breaking windows to escape the smoke and flames, while severely injured individuals sought help as anxious relatives arrived at the premises. An onlooker likened the scene to a horror film, witnessing about twenty people desperately fleeing from the inferno.
Officials explained that the blaze probably caused the release of flammable gases leading to a sudden, violent ignition known among firefighters as a flashover or backdraft. Mathias Reynard, leader of the Valais regional government, lamented that what should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare.
The high number of casualties overwhelmed local healthcare facilities, with the regional hospital's intensive care unit and operating rooms promptly reaching full capacity. Medical staff and emergency services are operating under extreme pressure as they manage the influx of critically injured patients.
The Valais region continues its role as a major tourist hub, with ski runs reaching nearly 3,000 meters altitude amidst the Alps’ famous pine forests. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution in the following days to avoid incidents that would further burden medical and emergency resources.
The tragedy marks a poignant moment for Switzerland, coinciding with Swiss President Guy Parmelin's first day in office—a transition overshadowed by the disaster. He communicated condolences to victims, families, and those suffering injuries, postponing the traditional New Year's address as a mark of respect.
Crans-Montana lies just under five kilometers from Sierre, the site of a fatal bus crash in 2012 that claimed 28 lives, demonstrating the region's recent experiences with significant tragedies.
Authorities and emergency responders continue coordinating efforts to provide care, investigate the incident, and support families affected by the fire, with an emphasis on learning the incident's cause and preventing future occurrences during public celebrations.