40 Dead, More Than 100 Injured as New Year’s Eve Fire Devastates Ski Resort Town
What began as a joyful New Year’s Eve celebration ended in tragedy after a massive fire tore through a crowded bar in the early hours of the morning, leaving at least 40 people dead and approximately 100 others injured, local authorities confirmed.
The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a popular nightlife venue in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, located in Switzerland’s Valais canton. The bar was reportedly filled to capacity with guests welcoming the New Year when flames and thick smoke spread rapidly through the building.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as visibility dropped within seconds. Many people struggled to breathe as smoke filled the room, while others were knocked down amid a desperate rush toward exits. Several survivors told local media that emergency exits became overwhelmed almost immediately.
Firefighters, police, and emergency medical teams responded within minutes. Rescue workers worked through the night, pulling injured patrons from the building and administering urgent care at the scene. Victims were transported to multiple hospitals across the region, with officials confirming that several remain in critical condition.
Authorities stated that at least 40 people died either at the scene or later from their injuries. Many of the injured were treated for severe burns, smoke inhalation, and trauma sustained during the evacuation.
Local officials have opened a formal investigation into the cause of the blaze. Investigators are examining whether an explosion may have preceded the fire and whether safety regulations — including occupancy limits and access to emergency exits — were properly followed.
The normally festive resort town has been left in shock. Planned celebrations were canceled, and a period of mourning was declared as flags were lowered across the region. Crisis counseling and support services have been made available to survivors and families of the victims.
Authorities cautioned that identifying all victims may take time due to the scale of the incident and the severity of injuries. Further updates are expected as investigators continue to determine how one of the deadliest fires in the area in recent years unfolded.
