At a Glance
- 40 killed and 115 injured in a fire at the Le Constellation bar during a New Year’s celebration.
- Blaze erupted less than two hours after midnight on Jan. 1, 2026 in Crans-Montana.
- Investigation has found no suspects; authorities focus on victim identification and cause.
Why it matters: The tragedy shocked a popular Swiss Alpine resort, overwhelmed local hospitals, and prompted national reflection on safety.
In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2026, a blaze tore through the crowded Le Constellation bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, leaving about 40 people dead and 115 seriously injured. Authorities say the fire started less than two hours after midnight during the bar’s New Year’s celebration, and investigators are working to identify victims and determine the cause.
The Incident
The fire erupted in the bar’s basement, collapsing the wooden ceiling and forcing patrons into a chaotic escape. Witnesses describe a sudden spread of flames that collapsed the wooden ceiling and forced patrons into a chaotic escape.
Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old survivor, said he felt suffocating heat and had to break a plexiglass window to escape, losing his jacket, shoes, phone, and bank card.
- Suffocating heat and smoke.
- Forced to break plexiglass window.
- Lost personal belongings.
Official Response
Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler said investigators are identifying victims and informing families, adding the community is “devastated.”
Frédéric Gisler said:
> “We are working to identify the victims and inform their families. The community is devastated.”
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated no attack was suspected and that the number of people in the bar is currently unknown.
Beatrice Pilloud said:
> “At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack.”
Beatrice Pilloud added:
> “The number of people who were in the bar is currently totally unknown.”
The regional hospital’s intensive care unit and operating theatre filled to capacity, prompting authorities to urge caution in nearby tourist areas.
Regional government head Mathias Reynard described the night as a nightmare.
Mathias Reynard said:
> “This evening should have been a moment of celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare.”
Context and Impact
Crans-Montana is a world-class ski and golf destination, hosting World Cup downhill races and the European Masters golf tournament.
The fire’s timing, 25 years after the Dutch Volendam blaze, drew national attention and led Swiss President Guy Parmelin to call for unity and dignity.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Killed | 40 |
| Injured | 115 |
The blaze overwhelmed local medical facilities and prompted a national conversation about safety in public venues.
Key Takeaways
- 40 people were killed and 115 injured in the fire.
- No suspects identified; investigation focuses on cause and victim identification.
- Crans-Montana’s emergency services were stretched to capacity.
The investigation continues as authorities work to identify the victims and understand the cause, while the resort community mourns the loss of so many.
