Deadly Fire at Swiss Alps Bar During New Year’s Celebrations Kills Dozens
On January 1, 2026, at around 1:30 a.m. local time, a devastating fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, located in the Valais Canton of Switzerland. The incident occurred during New Year’s celebrations in the Alpine ski resort, about 25 miles north of the Matterhorn.
The fire resulted in approximately 40 deaths and around 100 injuries, many of them serious, overwhelming local hospitals. Witnesses reported that a candle placed inside a bottle ignited the wooden ceiling, causing a collapse. The basement nightclub quickly filled with smoke and people rushed to flee through stairs and windows.
Emergency responders, including rescuers, helicopters, and ambulances, were deployed to the scene. Victims from multiple countries were identified among those affected. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a cause. The investigation is in its early stages, according to police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion. Preliminary reports from the Associated Press suggest a possible ignition of combustible gases led to the rapid spread of the fire, with observations of a flashover or backdraft phenomenon.
