GENEVA: Several dozen people are presumed to have been killed and around 100 injured after a fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year celebrations in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, police said on Thursday, as authorities warned the death toll could rise further.
“Several dozen people are presumed to have died,” Frederic Gisler, police commander in the canton of Valais, told reporters, adding that the operation to identify victims was still underway.
The incident occurred at around 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) at Le Constellation, a popular bar with a capacity of about 300 people indoors and additional space on its terrace, reports AFP.
Meanwhile, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Swiss police believe around 40 people died and 100 were injured in a fire in the resort town of Crans-Montana.
Swiss police added that the blaze was not thought to have been caused by arson, the ministry added.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman in Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland, told AFP.
Guy Parmelin, who took over the Swiss presidency on Thursday, decried a “terrible tragedy”.
“What was meant to be a moment of joy has turned the first day of the year in Crans-Montana into a day of mourning affecting the entire country and beyond,” he said on X.
What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond. The Federal Council has taken note of this with deep dismay. Its thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families and it extends its deepest condolences.
— Guy Parmelin (@ParmelinG) January 1, 2026
Police said roughly 100 people had gathered at the venue as revellers rang in the New Year. The blaze, initially described by police as following an explosion of unknown origin, triggered a major emergency response involving police, firefighters, and rescue teams.
Authorities later said the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Swiss media reported that pyrotechnics used during a concert may have sparked the blaze, but police stressed that this information has not been confirmed.
Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor-general of Valais canton, said there was “no question of an attack” and confirmed that an investigation was under way “to identify the circumstances which caused this dramatic situation to occur.” She added that investigators were currently focusing on a fire scenario and that extensive work was ongoing to identify victims and return bodies to their families.
Emergency services remained at the scene hours after the fire, with ambulances still parked outside the bar and visible damage to the building. Police said the area had been completely sealed off and a no-fly zone imposed over Crans-Montana to allow rescue and investigative work to continue.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames engulfed the venue. A tourist from New York told AFP he saw people running and screaming as bright orange flames poured from the bar. Nearby residents reported hearing sirens and helicopters throughout the night as the festive atmosphere gave way to shock and silence.
Local media, citing medical sources, suggested the death toll could reach into the dozens, with regional newspaper Le Nouvelliste reporting unconfirmed estimates of around 40 dead and about 100 injured. Police have not verified these figures.
Officials said several nationalities were involved among the victims but declined to provide further details. Identification efforts are continuing, and authorities warned that the district would remain closed for an extended period due to the scale of the investigation.
Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland’s most exclusive Alpine destinations, known for its high-end resorts, ski slopes and vibrant après-ski scene, and attracts large numbers of international visitors during the holiday season.
Pakistan President and PM express solidarity
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the deadly explosion and fire and offered condolences to the victims’ families and solidarity with the Swiss people.
“Heartbroken by news of the devastating explosion & fire in Crans-Montana🇨🇭on New Year’s night. I extend deepest condolences to the families of the victims & wish strength & swift recovery to the injured. 🇵🇰 stands with🇨🇭 in this hour of grief.” ~ President Asif Ali Zardari
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 1, 2026
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences and expressed solidarity with the Swiss Government and the people of Switzerland.
“Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” PM Sharif posted on X.
“We stand in solidarity with the Swiss government and the people of Switzerland at this difficult time.”
Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic fire incident at a ski resort in Switzerland on New Year night. Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and pray for the early recovery of the injured. We stand in solidarity with the Swiss Government and the people of Switzerland at…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 1, 2026
