Switzerland explosion latest: ‘Several dozen’ dead as fire rips through Crans Montana ski resort bar
100 injured as deadly fire breaks out at Crans-Montana venue as revellers welcomed 2026
Swiss Police have said that “several dozen” are presumed dead after a fire ripped through a bar in a popular Swiss ski resort during New Year celebrations.
The blast occurred at around 1.30am on Thursday at Le Constellation, a bar popular with tourists in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana in the Valais region, southwestern Switzerland.
Revellers were gathered at the venue to ring in the new year when the explosion struck.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning, the commander of the Valais cantonal police said the incident has left “several dozen” dead and 100 or so injured, some seriously.
The exact cause of the blaze is not yet known, but officials have ruled out a terror incident.
Images published by Swiss media showed a building engulfed in flames, with emergency services deployed at the scene as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
Meanwhile, Crans-Montana has been closed-off and authorities have imposed no-fly zone over the area.
Latest pictures from the scene
'I saw fire and a lot of people were screaming'
A witness has described hearing people “screaming” trying to escape as a fatal blaze broke out in a Swiss ski resort.
Samuel Rapp told Sky News how he was at a restaurant next door to the bar when the fire started.
“I saw fire and a lot of people were screaming,” he said
“There were a lot of people at the entrance trying to escape, a lot of people were screaming trying to escape.
“I saw a lot of people on the floor, I think these people were dead.”
How New Year celebrations turned to tragedy as deadly fire ripped through Swiss ski resort bar
How tragedy unfolded as deadly fire ripped through Swiss ski resort bar on New Year
Work to identify victims 'will take time'
Swiss authorities have said work is underway to identify the victims and inform their families.
However, they warned the process “will take time”.
The Italian ambassador to Switzerland said it could take weeks to identify the dead, according to the BBC
The broadcaster reported that the Italian foreign minister also said the identification would be complex.
Witnesses describe waiters carrying candles in venue
Some of those inside the venue have described the moments before the fire broke out.
Two women told French broadcaster BFMTV that they were inside when they saw a barman carrying a barmaid on his shoulders.
They said the barmaid was holding "birthday candles" placed by waitresses on champagne bottles.
Macron: France offers 'full solidarity' to Switzerland
French president Emmanuel Macron has offered his condolences following a fatal fire in a Swiss ski resort.
He wrote on X: “Deep emotion following the fire in Crans-Montana. My thoughts go to the bereaved families and the injured. To Switzerland, to its people and to its authorities, I convey the full solidarity of France and our fraternal support.”
Swiss president delays new year address
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said in a social media post that the government's "thoughts go to the victims, to the injured and their relatives, to whom it addresses its sincere condolences".
Thursday is his first day in office as president as the seven members of Switzerland's government take turns holding the presidency for one year.
Out of respect for the families of the victims, he delayed a traditional new year address to the nation meant to be broadcast on Thursday afternoon.
British Foreign Office release statement
The Foreign Office said staff are ready to help any British nationals affected by the fatal fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland.
It is understood there have not been any requests for consular assistance from any UK nationals or their families so far.
In the statement, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response.
“We will continue to monitor the situation, and our consular staff stand ready to support any British nationals who may be affected.”
Avoid risky activites, authorities urge as hospitals full
Those in the popular Swiss ski resort of Valais have been urged to avoid risky activities as local hospitals hit full capacity.
10 helicopters and 40 ambulances rushed to the scene to assist victims in the early hours of New Years’ Day.
Regional councilor Mathias Rïnard said the intensive care unit and operating theater at the regional hospital quickly hit full capacity.
In a region busy with tourists skiing on the slopes, the authorities have called on the local population to show caution in the coming days to avoid any accidents that could require medical resources that are already overwhelmed.
Atate councillor for Valais Stephane Ganzer said: "Hospitals across the country are dealing with an influx of injured people.
"To help them in their work, please avoid all risky activities today. Thank you on their behalf."
British embassy 'read to support' nationals
The British embassy in the Swiss capital of Bern have released a statement after today’s fatal fire.
It said it has not been approached for assistance, but staff “stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7”.
The statement on social media said: “Swiss emergency services are responding to a fire in Crans-Montana, with nationals from multiple countries likely affected. We continue to monitor the situation. Whilst we have not been approached for assistance, our staff stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7.
“If you are a British national in need of consular assistance, you can call us 24/7 on + 44 (0) 20 7008 5000”
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