Witnesses describe people walking over others as packed Swiss bar burned

Witnesses at a New Year’s fire in a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans‑Montana described chaotic scenes as people tried to escape, saying patrons were walking over others and many were on the floor.

Samuel Rapp, who was nearby when the blaze broke out at Le Constellation, said there were crowds at the entrance and people were trampling one another while others screamed. He also reported seeing victims whose hair had been burned and some without clothes.

Police said about 40 people were killed and 115 others injured, the majority seriously with severe burns. Authorities have not confirmed a final toll.

Locals and first responders described the scene as traumatising. Leon Christe, one of the first on the scene, said he gave first aid to many young people whose clothes had been burned off.

A 16‑year‑old survivor said the interior was in "total chaos," with guests breaking windows and using tables to escape. He said some friends had died and others were missing.

The fire broke out at about 1:30am local time as people celebrated the start of 2026. Panicked parents rushed to the area and witnesses compared the scenes to a horror movie.

Key Topics

World, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Fire, Crans-montana, Bar Fire, New Year