Tragedy Strikes Swiss Alpine Resort: New Year Celebration Turns Deadly

A devastating fire at a New Year celebration in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has resulted in approximately 40 fatalities and over 115 injuries. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, transforming a festive gathering into a scene of chaos and despair. Authorities are working to identify victims and investigate the cause of the fire, which has left the community in mourning. Eyewitness accounts describe a frantic escape as flames engulfed the bar, with many patrons trapped. The tragedy has drawn attention from officials, including Italy's Foreign Minister, due to the significant number of Italian nationals involved. As the resort prepares for a busy tourist season, local authorities urge caution to prevent further incidents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 11:02 IST

Devastating Fire Claims Lives in Crans-Montana

In Crans-Montana, Switzerland, a tragic fire during a New Year celebration resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 individuals, with over 115 others suffering serious injuries, according to police reports. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday.

Authorities are still working to confirm the exact number of fatalities. Crans-Montana, renowned for its skiing and golfing, witnessed a horrific transformation from a festive atmosphere to a scene of devastation at the Le Constellation bar, prompting a five-day mourning period across the nation.

Frédéric Gisler, the police commander of Valais Canton, stated in a press briefing that efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families, expressing the community's profound sorrow.

Among the injured, thirteen were Italian nationals, with six more Italians reported missing, as shared by Italy's ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, on state television.

Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general of Valais Canton, indicated that it is premature to ascertain the fire's cause, as experts have yet to access the wreckage.

She emphasized that there is no indication of an attack, and the number of patrons present in the bar remains unknown, which will be a focus of the investigation.

Currently, no suspects have been identified, and an inquiry has been initiated to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Gisler noted that the immediate priority is to identify the victims, a process expected to take several days.

A survivor, 16-year-old Axel Clavier from Paris, recounted the chaos that ensued, revealing that he lost friends in the incident. He described the moment as suffocating and shared how he managed to escape through a broken window.

Witnesses reported seeing a bartender lifting a female colleague while she held a lit candle, which ignited flames that caused the wooden ceiling to collapse. Panic ensued as patrons attempted to flee through narrow exits.

One witness likened the scene to a horror film, observing people desperately trying to escape the smoke and flames.

Among the missing is Giovanni Tamburi, an Italian whose mother has made a heartfelt plea for information about her son.

The local hospital quickly reached full capacity due to the influx of injured individuals, as stated by Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais Canton government.

This tragic event, which turned a night of celebration into a nightmare, has drawn attention from Italian officials, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who plans to visit the site.

As the resort town prepares for a busy tourist season, authorities have urged caution to prevent further accidents that could strain medical resources.

Crans-Montana, a prime location for skiing and golf, is set to host major events, including World Cup races and the European Masters.

This incident echoes a similar tragedy from 25 years ago in the Netherlands, where a New Year’s Eve fire claimed 14 lives.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, on his first day in office, expressed condolences and called for unity and resilience in the face of such tragedies.