An explosion and subsequent fire occurred in a bar in a popular Swiss ski resort early Thursday has left 40 people presumed dead and another 100 injured, officials said.
The blast may have been caused by sparklers placed in champagne bottles according to eyewitnesses who were at a concert at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. They said the blaze rapidly ignited the wooden ceiling,
In Romania, the catastrophe brought back memories of a fire at a Bucharest nightclub fire in 2015 where pyrotechnics used during a concert ignited a foam ceiling sparking a massive blaze.
Police say there is no indication the blaze was deliberate, while Italy’s foreign ministry also stressed there is no suspicion of intentional arson, according to media reports.
🇨🇭🔥🎉 EN IMAGES – Une vidéo montre le tout début de l’incendie au bar « Le Constellation » à Crans-Montana (VS), au moment où le plafond s’enflamme. 20 Minuten) pic.twitter.com/ZfcoZt73WL
— SuisseAlert (@SuisseAlert) January 1, 2026
Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais government, said an evening of celebration turned into “a nightmare”, offering condolences to families of the victims. He said ten helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 responders were deployed to the bar, the Washington Post reported.
The area was cordoned off, and a no-fly zone was established over Crans-Montana, according to authorities.
“What was meant to be a moment of joy turned, on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, into mourning that touches the entire country and far beyond,” Swiss President Guy Parmelin said on X.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan sent his condolences to the victims.
Crans Montana is known as a high-end ski resort and for hosting an annual forum that gathers political, diplomatic and business leaders.
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