A devastating fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year's celebrations at a luxury Swiss ski resort early Thursday, leaving at least 40 people dead and around 100 others injured, authorities said.
The blaze broke out at about 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular nightlife venue in Crans-Montana, in the Valais canton, as revelers gathered to mark the start of 2026. Emergency services said the venue was heavily crowded when the fire erupted, causing panic and hampering evacuation efforts.
Police said the exact death toll has not yet been confirmed, but officials described it as "several dozen", warning that the number could rise as search and identification efforts continue. Many of the injured suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation and were rushed to hospitals across the region, some by helicopter.
Hundreds of firefighters, medical personnel and rescue workers were deployed to the scene. Authorities established a security perimeter and temporarily restricted airspace over the resort to allow emergency helicopters to operate.
Investigators said there is no indication of terrorism or deliberate wrongdoing, and the incident is being treated as accidental. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials examining whether an explosion or technical fault may have triggered the blaze.
Crans-Montana is a major international tourist destination, and officials said victims are believed to include foreign nationals, though identities and nationalities have not yet been formally released. Consular authorities from several countries are in contact with Swiss officials.
Swiss leaders expressed shock and condolences, calling the incident a national tragedy. Local authorities have set up support centers and hotlines for families seeking information about loved ones.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials cautioned that casualty figures may change as emergency teams complete their work.
