Swiss authorities revealed that approximately 40 people died in a fire at a bar within a renowned ski resort in the country. Additionally, over 115 people were injured.
On Thursday, 1 Jan 2026, Swiss authorities held a press conference to update the public on the fire at the “Le Constellation” bar located in Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts, which occurred early that morning local time.
Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, stated that the fire that happened last night (local time) is one of the worst tragedies the country has ever faced, resulting in many deaths and about one hundred injured, some critically.
Frederic Guisler, Commander of the Swiss Police, said at the same press conference that there are about 40 fatalities and 115 injured. The top urgent task in the coming days is to identify the deceased “to return their bodies to their families as quickly as possible.”
However, Matthias Reynard, Head of the Valais canton government, said that identifying the injured and deceased will “take time.” Currently, 60 injured are receiving treatment at a hospital in Sion, with some transferred to other hospitals in Switzerland.
Reynard also mentioned that medical authorities are under heavy pressure and urged the public to “be cautious” and “avoid overcrowding hospitals” by refraining from visiting unless necessary.
Later, Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that officials will investigate the fire's cause but warned that “this work will take time.”
She added that several hypotheses about the fire’s cause exist, with the most likely theory being a general fire that escalated into a major blaze. Several witnesses have been interviewed, and mobile phones found at the scene will be examined.
During a Q&A session, reporters asked Pilloud about rumors related to the case, including reports that a champagne bottle tied to a flare caused the fire, whether the bar owner is French, and concerns about the narrowness of the bar’s internal stairs.
Previously, some witnesses believed that “birthday candles” placed on a champagne bottle ignited the ceiling, and warned that evacuation was “very difficult” due to narrow exits.
The Attorney General replied that she could not confirm any information while the investigation is ongoing. She also said she did not know the bar owner’s nationality and noted the stairs appeared narrow but that the investigation will assess whether they met legal requirements.
Officials at the press conference confirmed the incident was “not an attack.” The fire was not caused by an explosion but was a “severe spreading blaze.”
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said she does not know how many people were in the Le Constellation bar at the time, which is part of the investigation. Another official acknowledged that those inside were mostly young people but did not specify if any victims were minors.
President Parmelin thanked countries that offered assistance after the fire, specifically neighboring France, Germany, and Italy, and said coordination is underway through the Foreign Ministry to contact families of foreign victims.
Parmelin added that authorities are investigating the facts surrounding the event and announced the national flag will be flown at half-mast for five days to honor the victims. He emphasized that “a tragedy of this magnitude” must never happen again.
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Source:BBC