A deadly fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort early Thursday, killing about 40 people and injuring at least 115 others, many of them seriously, as revelers marked New Year’s Eve.
Swiss police said the blaze started around 1:30 a.m. local time, stressing that the incident was not linked to terrorism.
Eyewitnesses, cited in live international coverage, reported that the fire may have been triggered when sparklers or birthday-style “fountain candles” attached to champagne bottles came into contact with the bar’s wooden ceiling, igniting flames that spread rapidly through the packed venue.
The bar, popular with young tourists and locals, was hosting New Year’s celebrations when the blaze broke out, leading to scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee through narrow staircases and exits. Heavy smoke and intense heat contributed to severe burns among many of the victims.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” in recent Swiss history. France’s government confirmed that several of its citizens were among the injured, while Italy reported multiple nationals missing or hospitalized following the fire.
Emergency responders deployed dozens of ambulances and helicopters to transport victims to hospitals across the country, with some patients transferred to specialized burn units as local facilities became overwhelmed.
The incident has reignited global questions over public safety standards, venue capacity limits, and fire prevention enforcement in crowded nightlife spaces, particularly in tourist destinations that draw large seasonal gatherings.
Swiss authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether safety protocols were adequately followed. Vigils and tributes continue as communities mourn the victims of what was meant to be a night of celebration.