- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 01 Jan 2026 03:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A fire at a luxury bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana has left dozens of people dead and more than 100 injured, authorities said, casting a shadow over New Year’s Eve celebrations in one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. The blaze broke out shortly after midnight at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, a high-end venue crowded with revellers welcoming the New Year.
Swiss officials said more than 150 people were inside the bar at the time, with the fire reportedly starting in the basement following an explosion. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, saying the incident is being treated as a fire-related disaster.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene as flames and thick smoke engulfed the building. Firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze, while ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Several victims are believed to be in critical condition.
Swiss authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire. Officials noted that Switzerland has been experiencing unusually dry conditions, raising concerns about fire risks, though it remains unclear whether drought played a role in this incident.
ALSO READ: Air India Chaos In Canada: Pilot Caught Drunk Before Long-Haul Flight To India | What Happened Next?
A Beloved Alpine Destination
Crans-Montana is located in the canton of Valais, about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn and roughly two hours from Bern, Switzerland’s capital. The town is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring nine lakes, alpine forests, and panoramic mountain views.
A year-round tourist hotspot, Crans-Montana draws visitors for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country trails, and toboggan runs in winter, and for hiking, golfing, and lake activities in summer. It is also home to the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, which hosts the prestigious Omega European Masters.
Tragedy Strikes During Festive Night
The deadly fire has shocked residents and tourists alike, coming at a time when the resort is typically filled with international visitors celebrating the holidays. Local officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said counselling and support services have been made available. The tragedy follows another major fire earlier this year at Geneva’s historic Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues.