Early on New Year’s Day, a devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana claimed the lives of “several” dozen people and left approximately 100 others injured, report Baltimore Chronicle via X. The blaze, which began shortly after 1:30 a.m. local time, occurred at one of the town’s most popular nightlife venues in the southern Sierre District of the Canton of Valais.
The Cantonal Police of Valais reported that the fire’s origin remains undetermined. Investigators said they were working to establish how the incident began but emphasized that there is no indication of a deliberate attack. Rescue teams and firefighters responded immediately, confronting what authorities described as a “major” emergency situation. The area surrounding the bar was closed to the public, and a temporary no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana to facilitate emergency operations.
Swiss officials confirmed that a large contingent of police, firefighters, and emergency personnel provided immediate assistance to victims at the scene. The identities of those killed have not been released, but officials noted that, given the town’s popularity with tourists, some of the deceased are likely to have been visiting from abroad.
French authorities reported that at least two French nationals were among those injured and are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. The French Foreign Ministry stated that it remains in constant communication with Swiss authorities to monitor the situation and assist other nationals who may be affected.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who assumed the rotating presidency on Thursday, described the fire as a national tragedy. Speaking on social media in German, he said, “What should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, a tragedy that affects all of Switzerland and the world. The Federal Council has taken note of this tragedy with profound dismay.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire while emergency services remain on high alert as the resort town manages the aftermath of one of the deadliest incidents in recent Swiss history.
Earlier we wrote that second pilot dies in midair New Jersey helicopter collision, both men identified.
