Witnesses describe chaotic escape as dozens killed in Crans-Montana bar fire

About 40 people have been reported killed and around 115 injured after a fire tore through Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year's Day, police said. The majority of the injured suffered serious burns. Samuel Rapp, who was near the venue when the blaze began, told Sky News he saw patrons “walking on everybody” as people tried to escape a packed bar.

He described the scene as “horrible”, with many people screaming and others on the floor. Rapp said he saw victims with burned hair and some without clothes. He also saw someone place a jacket over a victim’s face. Other witnesses described chaotic attempts to flee. Leon Christe, who helped at the scene, said he administered first aid and saw many young people with burned clothing or injuries.

Sixteen-year-old Axel Clavier, who survived the blaze, described “total chaos”. He said one friend had died and two or three were missing. He recalled waitresses with champagne bottles with sparklers and said he escaped after breaking out a plexiglass window, losing personal items in the process.

The fire reportedly broke out at about 1.30am local time as people were celebrating the start of 2026. Witnesses described patrons smashing windows to escape and panicked parents rushing to the scene. Authorities have not confirmed a final death toll.

Key Topics

World, United States, Switzerland, Bar Fire, Crans-montana, New Year, Injuries