Tragic New Year’s Eve Fire Claims Lives at Swiss Alps Bar

A devastating fire erupted at a bar in Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, leading to numerous casualties and injuries. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as patrons attempted to escape the flames. Authorities are investigating the cause while the community mourns the potential loss of life. This incident has drawn comparisons to past tragedies and has raised concerns about safety in crowded venues. Read on for more details about this tragic event and its impact on the local community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 20:04 IST

Devastating Incident in Crans-Montana

In Crans-Montana, a fire broke out during a New Year celebration at a bar in a Swiss Alpine resort shortly after midnight on Thursday, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, with authorities fearing a significant death toll.

The Le Constellation bar, a popular venue in the resort known for skiing and golfing, transformed from a festive gathering into a scene of tragedy.

According to Valais Canton police commander Frederic Gisler, several dozen individuals are presumed dead, and efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families, a process that will take time.

Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general of Valais Canton, stated that it is too early to ascertain the cause of the fire, as experts have yet to access the wreckage.

She emphasized that there is no indication of an attack.

An Evening of Celebration Turns into a Nightmare

Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, were dispatched to assist the victims, some of whom were from various countries.

Witnesses recounted seeing a bartender carrying an injured barmaid, who was holding a lit candle that ignited the wooden ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of flames.

One witness described a chaotic scene as patrons attempted to escape from a basement nightclub through a narrow staircase and door.

Another individual reported seeing people breaking windows to flee the fire, with some suffering serious injuries, while parents rushed to the scene in search of their children.

A young man who observed the incident from across the street likened the chaos to a horror film, noting the desperate attempts of around 20 people to escape the smoke and flames.

Officials indicated that the fire likely caused the release of flammable gases, resulting in a violent ignition known as a flashover.

Mathias Reynard, head of the regional government of Valais Canton, expressed sorrow that what should have been a night of joy turned into a disaster.

The sheer number of injured individuals overwhelmed the local hospital's intensive care unit and operating theatre.

Crans-Montana is located near Sierre, Switzerland, where a tragic bus accident claimed 28 lives, including many children, in 2012.

Resort Town in the Heart of the Alps

As the region is bustling with tourists enjoying winter sports, local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution in the coming days to prevent further accidents that could strain medical resources.

Crans-Montana, renowned for its high-altitude ski runs and beautiful landscapes, is a key venue for World Cup skiing events and will host top racers, including Lindsey Vonn, ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.

This incident comes 25 years after a deadly fire in a Dutch town on New Year’s Eve, which resulted in 14 fatalities and over 200 injuries.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed condolences to the victims and their families via social media, marking his first day in office by postponing a traditional New Year’s address out of respect for those affected.