Swiss Ski Resort Bar Fire Kills 40, Over 100 Injured

Published: January 2, 2026

Police officers and rescuers stand next to a firefighters vehicle on the site of a fire that ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on Jan. 1, 2026. Several dozen people are presumed dead and around 100 injured after a fire ripped through a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said on Jan. 1, 2026. Police, firefighters and rescuers rushed to the popular resort, which is set to host the Ski World Cup from Jan. 30, after the fire broke out in the early hours of New Year's Day. (Image: MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)

By Yang Tianzi

At 1:30 a.m. local time on Jan. 1, 2026, a serious fire broke out at a bar in the famous Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and injuring 115. Swiss President Parmelin called it “one of the most severe tragedies the nation has ever experienced.”

Major bar fire at Swiss ski resort kills 40 — Key known information summary

As of Thursday afternoon (Jan. 1), Swiss authorities and foreign diplomatic services have confirmed the following key facts:

Time: 1:30 a.m. local time on Jan. 1, 2026 (00:30 GMT)
Location: Crans-Montana ski resort, Valais canton, southwestern Switzerland
Venue: “Le Constellation” bar
Official assessment: Swiss President Parmelin described it as “one of the most severe tragedies the nation has ever experienced”

Casualties (as of Jan. 1)

Overall

Deaths: About 40 (exact number pending confirmation)
Injured: 115, many critically
Main age group: 16–26 (according to Lausanne University Hospital)

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Victims by nationality

Italy: 16 missing; 12–15 hospitalized; 3 transferred to a severe burns unit in Milan
France: 8 missing, including 19-year-old FC Metz player Tahiris dos Santos (airlifted to Germany for treatment)
United Kingdom: Embassy closely monitoring; consular staff on standby
Other countries: Figures still being compiled

This photograph shows the entrance of the bar Le Constellation where a fire ripped through the venue during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana killing around 40 people and injuring more than 100 others, in Crans-Montana on Jan. 2, 2026. (Image: MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)

Cause of the incident (preliminary investigation)

Ruled out: Terrorist attack; explosive device

Suspected cause:

A female server placed birthday candles into a champagne bottle to celebrate
The flames ignited nearby wooden ceiling structures
The fire spread out of control within seconds

On-site findings:

Regional safety officials confirmed it was not caused by an explosive device; the explosion-like effects resulted from the spreading fire
Witnesses said “everything was made of wood,” accelerating the blaze

Venue details

Le Constellation bar — basic information

Capacity: Up to 300 people
Structure: Two-story building (upper viewing area; lower bar and dance floor) plus a small terrace
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m., open year-round
Promotions: Previously showcased champagne sparkler performances in promotional videos

Safety concerns

Building materials: Extensive wooden interior structures
Evacuation issues: Witnesses said exits and stairways were “narrow,” making evacuation difficult
Focus of investigation: Whether the structure complied with Swiss safety regulations

Mourners gather near the bar Le Constellation where a fire ripped through the venue during New Year’s celebrations in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana killing around 40 people and injuring more than 100 others, in Crans-Montana on Jan. 2, 2026. Investigators raced on Jan. 2, 2026 to identify the victims of a fire that ripped through a bar in the Swiss Alps town of Crans-Montana, turning a New Year’s celebration into one of the country’s worst tragedies. Frederic Gisler, police commander in the Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland, told reporters that authorities had counted “around 40 people who have died and around 115 injured, most of them seriously”. (Image: MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)

Medical response and distribution

Within Switzerland

Lausanne University Hospital: 22 patients
Zurich hospitals: 30+ critically injured patients
Geneva hospitals: 6 patients

Cross-border medical assistance

Italy: Burns unit at Niguarda Hospital in Milan
Germany: Receiving treatment for the French football player
France: President Macron pledged to open hospitals to receive the injured

Official responses and actions

Swiss government

Family hotline: +41 848 112 117
Crisis center: A nearby conference center converted to receive families
Investigation pledge: The president promised “long-term” support for families

International responses

France: President Macron pledged full assistance
EU: Commission President von der Leyen pledged medical aid
United Kingdom: Foreign Office consular staff on standby

Mourners light candles at the scene after a fire broke out overnight at Le Constellation bar on January 01, 2026 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. According to authorities, the fire began around 1:30 AM local time, with reports that 47 people are believed to have died and over a hundred more seriously injured. (Image: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

Investigation progress and challenges

Difficulties in identification

Main issue: Bodies severely burned, making identification difficult
Estimated timeframe: The Italian ambassador warned it could take “several weeks”
Lead agency: Investigation led by Chief Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud

Key investigation points

Compliance of building structure with fire-safety regulations
Adequacy of evacuation route design
Whether the venue was overcrowded at the time
Whether the use of open flames had been authorized

Important contact information

Emergency assistance

Swiss family inquiry hotline: +41 848 112 117

Consular assistance

Foreign nationals should contact their embassies in Switzerland
UK Foreign Office has consular staff on standby

Information updates

Swiss authorities will hold regular press briefings
Receiving hospitals will update patients’ conditions

Notes

The above figures reflect data as of the afternoon of January 1 and are subject to change
Authorities have not yet released a complete list of the missing
Investigation findings will determine final responsibility and corrective measures