Dozens Killed as Fire Engulfs Swiss Ski Resort New Year Party

Around 40 dead, more than 100 injured in Crans-Montana blaze; authorities rule out terror attack

At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 others injured when a devastating fire tore through a packed nightclub during New Year celebrations at the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, police confirmed on Thursday.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day at Le Constellation, a popular bar frequented by young revellers and tourists. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as panic-stricken patrons tried desperately to escape, smashing windows and fleeing through flames.

Panic and desperation

Horrified bystanders said many victims staggered into the street suffering severe burns, while others screamed for help from inside the venue.

Frederic Gisler, police commander in the Wallis canton of southwestern Switzerland, told reporters that authorities had so far counted “around 40 people dead and approximately 115 injured, most of them seriously.”

Emergency services, including police, firefighters and rescue teams, rushed to the scene shortly after the fire erupted shortly before 1:30 a.m. (0030 GMT). Crans-Montana is due to host a Ski World Cup event later this month.

National mourning

On Thursday evening, about 400 people gathered for a church service in Crans-Montana to honour the victims. The Swiss government announced that flags would fly at half-mast for five days.

“This is one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced,” Swiss President Guy Parmelin said. “It constitutes a calamity of unprecedented and terrifying proportions.”

Eyewitness accounts

Alexis Lagger, 18, said he was walking past the bar with friends when they noticed smoke and flames pouring from the building.

“I am in shock,” he told Swiss public broadcaster RTS. “People were running through the flames. Others were using chairs to try to break the windows.”

Two French women, Emma and Albane, told BFMTV that they narrowly escaped moments after the fire started. They said birthday candles placed on champagne bottles may have ignited the ceiling.

“Seconds later, the entire ceiling was burning,” one of them said, estimating that about 200 people, mostly aged between 15 and 20, were inside at the time.

A tourist from New York, who filmed bright orange flames engulfing the bar, told AFP he saw people running and screaming in terror.

Hospitals overwhelmed, international help offered

Hospitals in the Wallis region quickly reached capacity, prompting authorities to transfer victims to specialised burn units across Switzerland. More than 30 injured people were taken to hospitals in Zurich and Lausanne, while six others were transported to Geneva, according to Keystone-ATS.

Neighbouring countries offered assistance. The European Union said it was in contact with Swiss authorities, while French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that some injured victims were already receiving treatment in France.

Victims from multiple countries

Authorities warned that identifying victims could take days or even weeks, noting that Crans-Montana attracts visitors from around the world.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said about 15 Italians were injured, with a similar number still missing. France also confirmed that at least two French citizens were among the injured.

Le Constellation reportedly has a capacity of 300 people, with space for an additional 40 on its terrace.

Investigation ongoing

Early reports suggested a possible explosion, but Wallis chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said investigators now believe the explosion was caused by the fire, not the other way around.

“There is absolutely no question of a terrorist attack,” she said.

Another witness, Alex, 21, told RTS he arrived shortly after hearing a loud bang and was overwhelmed by the smell of gas and melted plastic.

“I saw people fleeing with burns, screaming for help,” he said, adding that the bar’s narrow staircase raised fears that many may have been trapped inside. “That sent shivers down my spine.”

Authorities say the investigation into the exact cause of the blaze is continuing.