Tragedy in Crans-Montana: Deadly New Year’s Fire Claims Dozens

Published on: January 1, 2026

A night of celebration turned into a catastrophe in the Swiss Alps as a massive fire tore through Le Constellation, a popular bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, has left an estimated 40 people dead and 100 injured.

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Table of Contents

The fire broke out at roughly 1:30 AM during a crowded New Year’s Eve party. Witnesses describe a scene of sudden, overwhelming panic.

The Spark: Early reports suggest the fire was ignited when a sparkler or decorative candle, held by a member of the staff, came into contact with the bar’s wooden ceiling.
The “Flashover”: The fire spread with extreme speed, creating a “flashover” effect that consumed the venue’s interior within minutes.
The Escape: Hundreds of patrons attempted to flee through a single exit. Those in the basement nightclub were reportedly trapped by a narrow staircase, leading to a fatal crowd surge.

The scale of the disaster has triggered a massive regional emergency response:

Fatalities: Authorities are still working to identify the victims, many of whom are believed to be international tourists.
Injuries: Approximately 100 people are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
Airlifts: Because the local hospital in Sion reached capacity, 10 helicopters and dozens of ambulances were deployed to transport the critically injured to specialized burn centers in Zurich and Geneva.

Swiss authorities have been quick to address public concerns regarding the cause:

Accident, Not Arson: Valais Canton officials have stated there is no evidence of terrorism or foul play.
Safety Protocols: The investigation will focus on whether the bar exceeded its legal capacity and if fire safety regulations were properly followed.
Government Response: Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences, describing the event as a moment of national mourning.