Swiss New Year Bar Fire Kills 40, Over 100 Injured
02nd Jan. 2026
About 40 people are killed, while at least 115 are injured, many of whom are serious. The incident occurred after a fire broke out during a New Year’s celebration at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. It happened within two hours after midnight on Thursday. Authorities are still confirming the exact number of casualties.
Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler described the community as “devastated” and said identifying the victims may take several days. “Thirteen of the wounded were Italian, and six more Italians remain unaccounted for”, Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland confirmed. Switzerland has announced five days of mourning.
Witnesses describe Chaos during the Crans-Montana Bar Blaze
Survivors described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly through the crowded venue. Axel Clavier, 16, from Paris, told the leading news site about “total chaos” and said he lost his belongings while escaping through a broken Plexiglas window. Two women recounted seeing a bartender lifting a colleague who was holding a lit candle.
A witness reported that people were smashing windows and a surge of a panicked crowd was trying to escape from narrow stairs and doors. Parents rushed to the scene in cars, searching desperately for their children. “I saw about 20 people scrambling to get out of the smoke and flames. It was like a horror movie,” said one onlooker.
Italian authorities are coordinating to support its citizens affected by the blaze. Three severely injured Italians were being transferred from Sion hospital to Milan. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani planned to visit the site on Friday.
Investigation and Official Response on Crans-Montana Bar Fire
Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said it was too early to determine the fire’s cause. He emphasized that there is no evidence of an attack. “For the time being, we don’t have any suspect,” she said. The investigation focuses solely on clarifying the circumstances. Regional authorities warned locals and tourists to exercise caution, as medical resources remain stretched.
Crans-Montana, a renowned ski and golf resort, is preparing to host World Cup downhill events ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed solidarity with the victims, stating, “Switzerland is a strong country not because it is sheltered from drama, but because it knows how to face them with courage and a spirit of mutual help.”
Web Resources on the Swiss Bar Fire
1. Reuters.com: Dozens killed, 100 injured in fire at Swiss ski resort bar
2. WashingtonPost.com: New Year’s Bar Fire at Swiss Ski Resort
3. TheGuardian.com: Le Constellation bar fire in Switzerland: what we know so far