Deadly Blaze at Le Constellation Bar in Switzerland Claims 47 Lives so far, 115 Injured on New Year's Day 2026

17GEN4.com

Crans-Montana, Switzerland — A devastating fire ripped through the popular Le Constellation bar and lounge in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana early on January 1, 2026, turning New Year's Eve celebrations into tragedy. Swiss authorities reported approximately 40 people killed and at least 115 injured, many severely, in what has been described as one of the country's worst recent disasters.

The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. local time during a crowded party in the basement nightclub, where revelers were ringing in 2026. Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes as flames rapidly engulfed the venue, triggered accidentally when a sparkler or lit candle in a champagne bottle ignited the ceiling. The fire spread quickly due to wooden furnishings and foam materials, leading to a flashover that filled the space with intense heat and smoke.

Survivors described panic as hundreds attempted to flee up a narrow staircase and through a small exit, resulting in a deadly crowd surge. "The staircase leading out of the nightclub was extremely narrow. There was a huge surge in the crowd," one witness told reporters. Others spoke of people smashing windows to escape and parents rushing to the scene in search of their children, many of whom were young adults in their teens and 20s.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters on site within minutes and helicopters airlifting the injured to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, Zurich, and beyond. Regional facilities quickly reached capacity, prompting transfers to specialized burn units, including offers of assistance from neighboring Italy.

Valais cantonal police commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed the preliminary toll at a press conference, noting victims likely include multiple nationalities given the resort's international appeal. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported 16 Italians missing and others injured. Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin called it "one of the worst tragedies" in recent history, expressing condolences to victims' families.

Authorities have ruled out arson or terrorism, stating the fire was accidental. Identification of victims is ongoing and expected to take days due to the severity of injuries. Investigations into safety compliance at the venue, including exit capacity, are underway.

17GEN4.com

Deadly Blaze at Le Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana Claims 47 Lives so far, 115 Injured on New Year's Day 2026