Crans-Montana, Switzerland:
A horrific fire at a popular bar in Switzerland’s resort town of Crans-Montana claimed at least 40 lives and left 115 others severely injured, officials confirmed on Thursday. The tragedy unfolded as hundreds of people gathered to ring in the New Year, turning a night of joy into one of Switzerland’s worst disasters in recent times.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and other top officials, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed the devastating toll.
“As I speak to you, we have identified around 40 people who have died and another 115 people severely injured,” Gisler announced.
Cause Still Unknown — But No Terror Link, Say Authorities
Authorities say it is still too early to determine what sparked the inferno. Investigators have not yet entered the burned structure due to safety concerns.
Beatrice Pilloud, Attorney General of Valais Canton, stressed that while investigations are ongoing, there is no indication of a terror attack.
“At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,” she stated firmly.
Eyewitness accounts suggest pyrotechnics used during New Year celebrations may have triggered the blaze, but officials have not confirmed this yet.
A Night of Celebration Turns Into Tragedy
The fire erupted around 1:30 AM (local time), when the bar — crowded with partygoers — suddenly went up in flames. Within minutes, the vibrant New Year celebration turned into scenes of chaos and panic.
Authorities immediately sealed off the surrounding area and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana as emergency teams worked through the night.
Police confirmed earlier that the fire is not being treated as terror-related, and the focus remains on determining its exact cause.
A Resort Town Known For Luxury Now Faces Mourning
Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland’s most famous luxury resorts, celebrated globally for skiing and international golf events. The bar Le Constellation, normally a hub of nightlife and celebration, now stands as the centre of one of the nation’s darkest moments.
The resort is scheduled to host the FIS World Cup speed skiing event later this month, and questions now loom over upcoming safety arrangements and preparedness.
For now, Switzerland mourns — as families wait anxiously for updates about their loved ones and authorities continue recovery and investigation operations.