Local media reports the explosion happened after fireworks were set off at the bar
07:35, 01 Jan 2026Updated 07:36, 01 Jan 2026
A fire broke out following a reported explosion at a Swiss ski resort
Several people have died and others were injured after an explosion at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps. A major blaze reportedly broke out at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The fire killed several people and injured others, police said in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The blaze is believed to have started at around 1.30am. Videos shared on social media show a fire in the bar, with plumes of smoke coming from the venue.
The bar is believed to be popular with tourists, with those involved thought to be on holiday, local reports suggest.
Local media has also reported the fire is believed to have started following fireworks at the bar, with more than 100 people reported to have been in the venue.
Crans-Montana is an upmarket ski resort in the Swiss region of Valais – it is popular with British tourists.
According to the BBC, at the end of January the resort is due to host a prestigious speed skiing event – the FIS World Cup.
Local police are set to give a statement to the media at 10am, and Blick reports the fire was under control by early morning.
Photos from the scene show a large emergency service response after the fire engulfed the building during celebrations.
Police cars, ambulances and fire engines can be seen lining the street.
A doctor says that hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland are overwhelmed with burn victims, the Mirror reports.
He appealed to the public on local media: “Show support by avoiding risky activities on January 1.”
In a statement issued to Sky News, a police spokesperson said: “We are seeing many injured and many dead.”
A hotline has reportedly been set up by authorities for relatives of people involved in the fire.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin… There are several injured and several dead,” Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesperson in Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland, told news agency AFP, reports NDTV.
“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists,” Lathion said.