Thu Jan 01 12:52:13 UTC 2026: Tragedy Strikes Swiss Ski Resort: Dozens Feared Dead in Bar Fire
Crans Montana, Switzerland – A devastating fire tore through a bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana early Thursday morning, leaving dozens presumed dead and over 100 injured. The blaze erupted at “Le Constellation” bar around 1:30 AM local time during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Authorities have confirmed the incident was not a terrorist attack but a fire. While the exact cause is still under investigation, Swiss media outlets suggest the fire may have started after New Years Eve pyrotechnics concert. The Italian Foreign Ministry stated that Swiss police believe around 40 people perished, and 100 were injured.
The bar, popular with tourists, was packed with over 100 revelers when the fire broke out. Police have indicated that several nationalities were affected by the tragedy, with the majority of casualties believed to be tourists visiting Crans-Montana for the holiday season.
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and helicopters, responded swiftly to the scene. A hotline has been established for relatives of those affected, and the area has been completely closed off, including a no-fly zone.
Crans-Montana, located in the Valais region of the Alps, is a renowned luxury ski resort popular with tourists. The resort is scheduled to host a FIS World Cup speed skiing event at the end of January.
The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.
First Piper 