About 40 people killed in fire at a Swiss ski resort

Photo: Guardian

About 40 people were killed and more than 115 injured in a major fire that broke out during the night of January 1, 2026, at the Le Constellation bar, Bloomberg reports. The tragedy occurred at the popular Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. Nationals of several countries were affected, and many people are still reported missing.

What happened

The fire started at the Le Constellation bar at around 1:30 a.m. local time, while a New Year’s party was taking place. The flames quickly spread to the ceiling structures, and thick black smoke rapidly filled the premises, making evacuation difficult. The first police officers and emergency services arrived at the scene within minutes of the alert.

Investigators are working at the site, seizing mobile phones and interviewing visitors and staff in order to establish the circumstances of the incident. As part of the investigation, compliance with fire safety regulations is also being examined.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as one of the most serious tragedies in the country’s history and announced five days of national mourning. Authorities set up a helpline for relatives and friends seeking information about those who attended the party, while police cordoned off the area, restricting access to the street where the bar is located.

Who was affected

As of January 2, between 80 and 100 people remain in life-threatening condition, The Guardian reports. In cases where third-degree burns cover more than 15% of an adult’s body, the risk of death in the following hours and days is extremely high. Identifying the victims may take several days, as the bodies were badly burned and the death toll is still being clarified.

According to the authorities, the injured and the dead are citizens of different countries. France’s foreign ministry said nine French nationals were injured, with a further eight still missing. Italy reported 13 people hospitalized, while the fate of six remains unknown. Australia confirmed that one of its citizens was injured.

The injured were distributed among several hospitals in the canton of Valais and transferred to medical centres in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich. French President Emmanuel Macron said that some of the wounded are being treated in French hospitals, while others were taken to medical facilities in Germany.

Possible causes of the fire

Authorities noted that reports of a blast were linked to the intensity of the fire and the subsequent structural damage. The official cause of the blaze has not yet been established, but investigators are increasingly focusing on the ceiling of the bar’s basement area.

Witness accounts and mobile phone footage suggest that the fire may have been triggered by sparklers or flares attached to champagne bottles. Such elements were reportedly used by staff as part of a regular “show” for guests.

Final conclusions will be drawn after an analysis of the ceiling materials, which, according to preliminary information, may have been covered with flammable cladding.

Context

Crans-Montana is known as a prestigious resort for winter and summer sports, including hosting World Cup ski races, and attracts tourists from around the world every year. In the wake of the tragedy, issues of safety at mass-tourism venues and during large public celebrations have once again come into sharp focus.