A tragic New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana has left Switzerland in mourning after at least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured. The deadly incident unfolded in the early hours of January 1, 2026, during celebrations at Le Constellation, a popular nightlife venue in the luxury Alpine resort.
As investigators begin a detailed review of what went wrong, the Crans-Montana New Year’s Eve bar fire is being described by officials as one of the most devastating civilian tragedies in recent Swiss history.
Deadly Fire Erupts During Peak New Year Celebrations
According to local authorities, hundreds of people were gathered inside the bar when the fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. Many of those inside were young partygoers between the ages of 16 and 25, including international tourists visiting the resort for the holidays.
Emergency responders confirmed at least 40 fatalities and 115 injuries. Due to the extent of the damage, police stated that victim identification will take several days to complete. Officials emphasized that notifications will be handled carefully and in coordination with families.
How the Crans-Montana New Year’s Eve Bar Fire Started
Preliminary findings suggest the fire began when a sparkler attached to a champagne bottle ignited part of the basement ceiling. Witness accounts indicate that flames spread rapidly through the lower level of the venue.
As smoke filled the space, guests attempted to flee using a single stairway exit. The congestion and confusion made evacuation difficult, contributing to the high number of casualties. Authorities currently view the incident as accidental and have made no arrests, though the investigation remains ongoing.
National Mourning and International Reactions
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the disaster as “one of the worst our country has experienced” and extended condolences to the victims’ families. Switzerland entered a formal period of mourning, with flags lowered to half mast across the country.
International leaders also expressed solidarity. French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani both confirmed that citizens from their countries were among the injured and missing. Diplomatic teams are working closely with Swiss authorities to assist affected families.
Emergency Response and Hospital Strain
Emergency services from surrounding regions were quickly deployed to Crans-Montana. Ambulances transported injured guests to nearby hospitals, which faced immediate pressure due to the volume of patients.
Medical teams worked throughout the night and into the following day, prioritizing critical injuries. Officials praised the rapid coordination between fire crews, police, and healthcare workers under extremely challenging conditions.
Safety Concerns at the Alpine Resort
Crans-Montana is known as a high end Alpine destination near the Matterhorn, attracting international visitors year round. In the wake of the tragedy, the resort has become the center of a national safety review.
Local authorities had reportedly banned fireworks and sparklers during New Year’s celebrations due to dry conditions. Investigators are now examining whether that restriction was properly enforced, along with venue capacity limits, fire safety compliance, and crowd management procedures.
Community Grief and Ongoing Investigation
Throughout the day, residents, visitors, and families gathered near the site of the fire, leaving flowers and messages of remembrance. The mood across the resort remained somber as tributes continued to grow.
Officials confirmed that further updates will be released as information is verified. The investigation into the Crans-Montana New Year’s Eve bar fire will focus on safety standards and accountability, with the goal of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As Switzerland reflects on the lives lost, authorities have urged patience and respect for the affected families while the full scope of the disaster is assessed.