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Updated Jan. 1, 2026, 2:33 p.m. ET Approximately 40 individuals lost their lives and over 100 sustained injuries, many of them severe, in a fire that occurred in a bar during a New Year’s celebration in a ski resort town nestled in the Swiss Alps on Thursday. The president of Switzerland termed it “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever faced.” The fire ignited in the early hours at Le Constellation, a bar located in Crans-Montana, situated in the canton of Valais. Officials stated that the investigation into the cause of the fire and the subsequent explosion is ongoing, but they have discounted the possibility of a terrorist act. “We have no suspects,” commented Beatrice Pilloud, the region’s prosecutor general. “An inquiry has been initiated — not against anyone, but to clarify the events surrounding this tragic fire.” Many of those affected were young individuals who gathered to ring in the New Year. “This calamity took place in a location that is usually linked with life and happiness,” remarked President Guy Parmelin, who postponed his planned New Year’s speech to visit the site. The authorities indicated that they are working to identify the deceased and return their remains to their families. They are also interviewing witnesses and intend to examine cellphones that were left behind, according to a prosecutor. “At this moment, we are counting about 40 fatalities and roughly 115 injuries, most of which are serious,” stated Frédéric Gisler, the commander of the canton police, at a news conference on Thursday evening. Smoke was first detected coming from the bar around 1:30 a.m., as reported by authorities, and the central police dispatch received an emergency call shortly thereafter. Emergency services deployed 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to assist in transporting the injured to hospitals, officials mentioned. The emergency room and operating theatres at the nearest major medical facility reached capacity in treating the victims, they reported. “If you want to help, please exercise caution,” advised Mathias Reynard, a local official, to residents. “Do not overwhelm emergency services with avoidable situations.” Three specialized aircraft transported burn victims to Zurich, the largest city in the country, which is situated about 90 miles away. In an interview with the Swiss news outlet 24 heures, Claire Charmet, head of a hospital in Lausanne where 22 critically burned patients were taken, mentioned that the majority of the survivors are between the ages of 16 and 26. Authorities have not yet named any victims, but given the town’s status as a tourist hotspot, it is likely that foreign nationals were among them, officials reported. Here’s what else to know: Emergency response: The police announced that the perimeter around the bar was secured and a no-fly zone was established over Crans-Montana, likely to facilitate helicopter access to the area. Crans-Montana: This high-end destination attracts a predominantly wealthy and occasionally famous clientele. The region boasts views of the Matterhorn, a mountain deemed Switzerland’s most iconic landmark, along with other peaks such as Mont Blanc. The town is home to roughly 10,000 residents and has around 2,800 hotel accommodations. Le Constellation: The bar where the incident occurred was a casual venue situated near one of the gondolas that transported skiers up the slopes. It was frequented by a younger audience and international visitors. The lower level often transformed into a dance floor featuring live DJs, and the bar frequently aired live sports events, including Premier League football and international rugby. Show more
Published: 2026-01-01 19:33:00
source: www.nytimes.com
