At a Glance
- Fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana killed dozens and injured about 100.
- Swiss President Guy Parmelin postponed New Year address, expressed condolences.
- Italian foreign ministry estimates 40 deaths; France reports two injuries.
Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of alpine resorts during peak season and strains local emergency resources.
Dozens feared dead and around 100 people were seriously injured when a fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar during New Year’s celebrations in Crans-Montana, a renowned ski resort in the Swiss Alps.
The Fire and Immediate Response
The blaze began at approximately 1:30 a.m.. Thick smoke poured over the alpine town as crowds gathered and emergency crews rushed in. Footage on social media shows the building ablaze and police tape sealing the area.
- NBC News confirmed the fire from videos posted online.
- TikTok videos captured emergency services on scene.
- Police tape marked the perimeter of the damaged bar.
Casualties and Medical Impact
Swiss police estimate 40 deaths, but many victims remain unidentified because of severe burns. The regional hospital’s intensive-care unit and operating theater reached full capacity, forcing patients to be transferred elsewhere. Two French nationals were reported injured by France’s foreign ministry.
- Estimated deaths: 40 (Italian foreign ministry).
- Reported injuries: about 100 (Swiss police).
- Foreign nationals injured: 2 (France).
Official Statements and Investigation
Gaëtan Lathion, the police spokesperson, said:
> “More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead. We’re just at the beginning of our investigation.”
Beatrice Pilloud, attorney general of Valais Canton, added:
> “It’s too early to determine the fire’s cause as experts have not been able to go inside the wreckage. At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack.”
Mathias Rénard, a regional councilor, noted:
> “The intensive-care unit and operating theater at the regional hospital quickly hit full capacity, and patients are being transferred elsewhere.”
Guy Parmelin wrote on X:
> “The government’s thoughts go to the victims, the injured and their relatives, to whom it addresses its sincere condolences.”
Community and Future Events
A no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana, and authorities urged residents to exercise caution to avoid further accidents. The municipality, formed on January 1, 2017, is located about 25 miles north of the Matterhorn. This month, it will host the FIS World Cup speed-skiing championship.
Key Takeaways
- Dozens dead and 100 injured in a bar fire during New Year’s celebrations.
- Italian foreign ministry estimates 40 deaths; France reports two injuries.
- Swiss President Parmelin postpones New Year address and offers condolences.
The tragedy has left the alpine community in mourning while authorities work to manage the overwhelming medical response.
