A devastating blaze ripped through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, after one or more explosions sparked a fire during packed celebrations, Swiss broadcaster RTS reported.
Authorities in the Valais cantonal police confirmed that the incident has resulted in both fatalities and injuries, although an official casualty count has yet to be released. Emergency responders remain at the scene, with multiple ambulances deployed and Air-Glaciers helicopters conducting evacuation and rescue operations from the mountain resort.
#BREAKING: Explosion and fire reported at Le Constellation Bar in Swiss Ski-Resort town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland during New Year's Eve. Several people reportedly killed and critically injured. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/QDzRrhVUJM
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 1, 2026
Police have established a helpline for relatives seeking information, while officials are expected to brief the media at 10:00 am local time.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion said, as quoted by Agence France-Presse. “There are several injured, and several dead. The intervention is still ongoing.”
The explosion reportedly occurred around 1:30 am, just as revellers were welcoming the New Year at Le Constellation. This popular tourist venue can host up to 400 people and typically operates until 2:00 am. According to RTS, the blast originated in the basement, triggering the inferno that rapidly engulfed the bar.
A source involved in the emergency response described the incident as “a major disaster,” warning that the final toll could be significant. The source likened the scale of the tragedy to the Sierre bus crash, which claimed 28 lives, though officials have not corroborated any figures.
Investigators are not currently treating the incident as a criminal act, according to RTS. While an accidental cause has not been ruled out, the precise source of the explosion and subsequent fire remains under investigation.
Thursday’s press conference will also mark the first official appearance of Frédéric Gisler, who assumed office as commander of the Valais cantonal police on January 1.
