A devastating explosion ripped through a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of January 1, 2026, killing around 40 people and injuring about 100 others, Swiss authorities and foreign ministries said.
The blast occurred just after 1:30 a.m. local time inside Le Constellation, a popular bar where hundreds of revellers were celebrating New Year’s Eve. The explosion triggered a large fire that spread rapidly, trapping many inside the venue and causing severe burn injuries.
Emergency services mobilised extensively, with 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances deployed to the scene. Local hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich were inundated, and intensive care units quickly reached capacity due to the number and severity of injuries.
Authorities emphasised that there is no evidence of terrorism or foul play, and the incident is being treated as a tragic accident. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the explosion, with some early speculation pointing to fireworks or pyrotechnics used during the celebration, but officials have not confirmed this.
Swiss police and prosecutors have set up a helpline for relatives, and forensic teams are working to identify the victims and support their families. Some of those killed and injured were foreign nationals, reflecting the resort’s international visitor base.
Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin expressed national grief, saying what was meant to be a joyful celebration had turned into a moment of “mourning that touches the entire country and far beyond.”
Crans-Montana, known for its ski tourism and winter festivities, is now coping with one of the worst peacetime tragedies in recent Swiss history as emergency crews and investigators continue their work.
