Fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, causes numerous casualties
A fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, southern Switzerland, around 01:30 local time on 1 January 2026. Several dozen people are presumed dead, with around 100 injured. The exact death toll is not yet precise, with Italy's foreign ministry citing Swiss police as reporting about 40 dead.
Emergency response efforts included 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and approximately 150 emergency workers. The intensive care unit at Valais hospital is reportedly full. The cause of the incident is unknown but is being treated as a fire. Authorities have ruled out any attack and do not consider reports of an explosion as the cause.
Investigations into victim identification may take weeks. The Italian ambassador noted that identification could be difficult due to severe burns. Multiple countries' citizens were affected; French media report at least two injured French nationals, and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France's solidarity. Officials also said consular staff are on standby to support British nationals, with the UK embassy closely monitoring the situation.
