At a Glance
- Dozens feared dead and 100 injured after a fire at a Swiss Alpine bar.
- Fire started at 1:30 a.m. in Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
- Swiss President Parmelin offered condolences and delayed New Year address.
Why it matters: The tragedy claims many lives during a holiday celebration and overwhelms local medical resources.
A blaze erupted in a bar in the Swiss Alps on New Year’s Eve, leaving dozens dead and around a hundred seriously injured. The incident has drawn international attention and prompted a national response.
Fire and Immediate Response
The fire began at about 1:30 a.m. in the Le Constellation bar, a popular spot in the ski resort municipality of Crans-Montana. Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion reported that more than a hundred people were inside, with many injured and dead. Footage posted to social media shows the building ablaze, thick smoke, and crowds gathering, while emergency services sealed the area with police tape.
Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion stated:
> “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, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists.”
Swiss President Guy Parmelin wrote on X:
> “The government’s thoughts go to the victims, to the injured and their relatives, to whom it addresses its sincere condolences.”
- Around 40 dead (Italian foreign ministry)
- 2 French nationals injured (France foreign ministry)
- 100 seriously injured (police)
| Source | Reported Deaths | Injured |
|---|---|---|
| Italian foreign ministry | 40 | |
| France foreign ministry | 2 | |
| Police spokesperson | 100 |
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said:
> “It is 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.”
Valaisanne canton police said:
> “A no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana.”
Medical Impact
The regional hospital’s intensive care unit and operating theater reached full capacity, prompting patient transfers to other facilities. Some victims were from other countries.
Community and Future Events
Crans-Montana, located 25 miles north of the Matterhorn, was formed only nine years ago. It will host an international speed skiing championship later this month.
Key Takeaways
- Dozens dead, 100 injured.
- Fire started 1:30 a.m. in Le Constellation bar.
- Authorities investigate cause; no attack suspected.
The tragedy underscores the risks of large gatherings during holiday celebrations, as authorities work to aid survivors and investigate the blaze.
