A deadly fire broke out during New Year’s festivities at a Swiss ski resort bar, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured, confirmed local authorities.
As New Year’s Day began, a horrific fire erupted from the famous bar in Crans-Montana, located deep in the Alpine region of Switzerland, reports BBC.
The fire started around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in a bar called “Le Constellation” in the Swiss Alps.
As soon as the incident happened, rescue teams, including firefighters, rushed to the area to help victims and bring the situation under control.
Though the exact cause remains unknown, officials have cordoned off the area as they work to determine what sparked the explosion.
Authorities fear the death toll could rise, as the bar has the capacity to hold around 300 people with a small terrace, but it’s still unclear how many people were inside the bar when the fire broke out.
A local Swiss media outlet, quoting a police source, confirmed that more than hundred people were present at the bar at the time of the incident.
“Police officials said several people have been killed, but we don’t have a precise number,” states Blick.
According to authorities, the bar normally closes at 2:00a.m. local time. However, it is still unclear if it had remained open later for the New Year’s celebrations.
Police have also informed that investigators are working to determine the actual cause of the fire.
“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists,” police officer Lathion said.
As reported by Swiss local media, pyrotechnics sparked the bar explosion as it is quite old and not up to the mark while two eyewitnesses told French broadcasters that they were inside when they saw a barman carrying a barmaid on his shoulders.
According to witnesses, the barmaid was holding a lit candle in a bottle that set fire to the wooden ceiling and the fire blaze quickly spread and collapsed the ceiling.
Located in a posh ski resort area, the 40 years old Swiss bar is famous for hosting the 1980s World Cup for skiing.
Expressing condolences over the tragedy, Swiss president Guy Parmelin, wrote on ‘X.’
“What was meant to be a moment of joy turned, on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, into mourning that touches the entire country and far beyond.”
Thursday was Parmelin’s first day in office as head of state, as the seven members of Switzerland’s government take turns holding the presidency for one year.
Out of respect for the families of the victims, he delayed a traditional New Year address to the nation meant to be broadcast Thursday afternoon, Swiss broadcasters SRF and RTS reported.
