At least 40 killed in Swiss ski-resort bar fire during New Year celebrations

A fierce blaze at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort during New Year's Eve celebrations has killed at least 40 people and injured 119, officials said. The fire broke out at roughly 1.30am local time while guests were celebrating the start of 2026. Swiss President Guy Parmelin called it "one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced." Valais local government chief Mathias Reynard said 40 people are known to have died so far and around half of the 119 injured have been treated at Valais Hospital.

Many victims suffered severe burns and some remain in a life-threatening condition. Emergency services mobilised 13 helicopters, 42 ambulances, 150 paramedics and 70 firefighters. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people tried to escape, and one local volunteer said it was "very traumatising" with young people badly burned.

Valais attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said investigators say the blaze "would appear" to have started when sparkler candles placed on champagne bottles were taken too close to the ceiling, triggering a rapid flashover. She said the probe will focus on foam installed in the bar to determine whether it contributed to the fire.

Of the 119 injured, 113 have been identified: 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, four Serbian, and one each from Bosnia, Belgium and Portugal. Police are working with the governments of France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Congo, Serbia, Turkey, Romania and the Philippines.

Key Topics

Business, World, Switzerland, Fire, Crans-montana, Ski Resort, Investigation