A devastating New Year's Eve fire at a popular Swiss ski resort has claimed the lives of at least ten people, with fears the final death toll could rise significantly. The blaze tore through the Le Constellation bar and lounge in the upmarket resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of 1 January 2026.
Chaos in the Alps: Timeline of a Tragedy
The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on New Year's Day, at the peak of celebrations. The venue, which is situated mostly underground, was reportedly packed with up to 400 revellers, many of whom are believed to be tourists visiting the Valais region for the holiday season. Witness accounts suggest the evacuation was severely hampered by the bar's relatively narrow entrance.
Emergency services launched a massive rescue operation, deploying all available rescue helicopters in Switzerland. The scale of the incident quickly overwhelmed medical facilities in the French-speaking part of the country, which received a sudden influx of patients suffering from severe burns and other injuries.
Investigation and Response
While the official investigation remains in its preliminary stages, early reports indicate the fire may have been preceded by an explosion. Authorities are examining whether indoor fireworks used as part of the New Year's festivities could have been the trigger. Police have stated there is no current evidence to suggest the blaze was a deliberate act or linked to terrorism.
In response to the catastrophe, Swiss authorities have:
- Established a dedicated helpline and reception centre for affected families.
- Imposed a no-fly zone over the area to aid the investigation.
- Urged the public to avoid risky activities to prevent further strain on local hospitals.
A Resort in Mourning
Crans-Montana is a premier Alpine destination known for its luxury amenities and extensive ski slopes, and it is particularly popular with British visitors. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the resort, which would typically be bustling with holidaymakers at this time of year. A specialised team remains on-site to conduct a thorough investigation into the exact circumstances of one of the resort's darkest days.
