Live Updates: Many Feared Dead Following Fire at New Year’s Party in Switzerland, Authorities Report
Updated Jan. 1, 2026, 6:36 a.m. ET Authorities have stated that dozens of individuals are “feared dead” and roughly 100 others sustained injuries, many of them critical, after a fire erupted in a bar at a Swiss ski resort during New Year’s festivities early Thursday. The Swiss police reported that the fire ignited around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a bar located in Crans-Montana, a municipality in the Valais region, which is predominantly French-speaking. Investigators indicated that they are still looking into the cause of the blaze and a subsequent explosion at the location, but have dismissed the likelihood of a terrorist act. Emergency responders dispatched 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to transport the injured to medical facilities, officials explained during a news conference on Thursday morning. They noted that the emergency unit and operating rooms at the closest major hospital were at capacity. Teams comprising doctors and counselors were also sent to provide psychological assistance to survivors, according to the officials. “What should have been an evening of celebration and togetherness turned into a nightmare,” stated Mathias Reynard, a prominent member of the regional council, during the briefing. Nine hours post-blaze, the precise number of fatalities remained undetermined. Authorities urged individuals with family members who might have been involved in the fire to reach out to them. The police confirmed that the vicinity surrounding the bar has been secured and that a no-fly zone was established over Crans-Montana, likely to facilitate the arrival of helicopters in the area. Crans-Montana is a luxurious destination popular among a wealthy and occasionally famous clientele. The town offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, known as Switzerland’s most iconic mountain, along with other peaks like Mont Blanc. It is populated by around 10,000 residents and boasts approximately 2,800 hotel accommodations. Show more
Published: 2026-01-01 11:38:00
source: www.nytimes.com
