Bern (TDI): Switzerland has begun a period of national mourning after a devastating fire at a busy bar in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana killed around 40 people and injured more than 115 others during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
President Guy Parmelin described the blaze as one of the most traumatic events in the country’s recent history and declared five days of mourning to honor the victims and support grieving families.
The tragedy unfolded just after 1:30 am as revelers packed into the Le Constellation bar, a popular venue for young people and tourists celebrating the arrival of 2026.
According to witnesses and early reports, a lit candle or sparklers attached to champagne bottles may have ignited flammable material in the wooden-ceilinged basement, causing flames to spread with terrifying speed.
The blaze engulfed the crowded space in seconds, trapping many inside and prompting frantic attempts to escape through narrow stairways.
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Emergency services from across the region responded with extensive resources, including ambulances, helicopters, firefighters and specialized medical teams.
Those injured were taken to hospitals across Switzerland and neighboring countries for treatment, with many suffering severe burns and respiratory injuries.
Authorities are now facing the difficult task of identifying victims, a process complicated by the extent of the damage and the number of foreign nationals believed to have been present.
The aftermath has been marked by scenes of grief and solidarity in the resort town, where locals and visitors alike gathered in freezing temperatures to lay flowers, light candles and hold vigils for those lost. Residents described the shock of seeing what should have been a night of celebration turn into a scene of horror and sorrow.
Read More: Swiss Authorities Identify Victims After Deadly New Year’s Bar Fire
Swiss officials, while stressing there is no evidence of foul play or terrorism, have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the fire.
Questions have already been raised about safety standards, venue capacity and the adequacy of escape routes, as authorities seek to understand how the blaze spread so rapidly in a space crowded with revelers.
The impact of the disaster has extended beyond Switzerland’s borders. Governments in France, Italy and other neighboring countries have offered assistance, and relatives of missing or injured tourists have travelled to the region seeking news of loved ones.
