On New Year's Eve in the early hours of January 1, 2026, a festive night in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana turned tragic when a blaze ripped through Le Constellation bar, leaving around 40 people dead and more than 115 injured. 🚑🔥
Most victims were young revelers celebrating the turn of the year when sparks from sparkling candles are thought to have ignited the wooden ceiling. "It all happened so fast," a survivor shared in footage that circulated on social media, capturing the chaos inside the low-ceilinged basement venue.
As of January 2, 2026, Valais Canton Police Chief Frederic Gisler confirmed the grim toll. "We are counting around 40 people who have died and 115 injured, most of them seriously," he said. Injured partygoers were rushed to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Zurich and Geneva, and some may be transferred abroad for specialized care. ✈️❤️
The arduous task of identifying victims is now underway. Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud and her team are using dental records and DNA samples to match remains with names. Authorities warn families may have to wait days for confirmation. "We need to be 100 percent sure before we tell loved ones," said Mathias Reynard, head of the cantonal government.
While no reports of Chinese casualties have emerged, China Media Group confirmed with the Chinese embassy in Switzerland that no requests for consular assistance have been made. Swiss authorities continue verifying identities and nationalities as they piece together this heart-wrenching episode. 💔
On the evening of January 1, hundreds gathered for a silent vigil in freezing temperatures. Candles flickered against the snow, and flowers covered makeshift altars at the road leading to the bar. Parents, friends and neighbors comforted each other in tears and whispers.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud described the scene: "People wept, hugged and held hands. The pain is collective." President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin has postponed his planned New Year's address, ordered flags at the Federal Palace to fly at half-mast for five days, and declared Valais Canton in a state of emergency. 🇨🇭
This tragedy has shaken Switzerland to its core and serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter safety measures in crowded venues. For now, the mountains around Crans-Montana stand quiet, mourning a night meant for celebration. 🕯️
Stay with us for updates as officials continue their search for answers and families wait for news.
Reference(s):
Swiss bar fire kills 40 as identification of victims gets under way
cgtn.com
