A devastating fire at a Swiss ski resort bar during New Year’s celebrations has killed dozens and injured over 100 people, exposing critical safety failures that turned a festive gathering into a death trap.
Story Highlights
- Fire erupted at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort at 1:30 AM on New Year’s Day
- Several dozen deaths and over 100 injuries reported from the blaze
- Champagne bottle flares positioned near ceiling allegedly triggered rapid fire spread
- Crowded stairs blocked escape routes, trapping panicked patrons inside
New Year’s Celebration Turns Deadly
Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort became a scene of horror when fire erupted at 1:30 AM local time on New Year’s Day. The blaze struck during peak celebrations, with the venue packed with international tourists celebrating the holiday.
Eyewitnesses reported that champagne bottles with decorative flares positioned dangerously close to the ceiling suddenly ignited, causing rapid fire spread throughout the establishment. Within minutes, what should have been a joyous celebration transformed into a life-threatening emergency.
Dozens of people are feared to have been killed and around 100 injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Swiss police said on Thursday.
The fire broke out at 1.30 am in a bar called “Le Constellation”… pic.twitter.com/ZV58YEAPiV
— The Express Tribune (@etribune) January 1, 2026
Escape Routes Became Death Traps
The bar’s multi-level design created a nightmare scenario as panicked patrons rushed toward narrow staircases connecting the upper and lower floors. Survivors described being trapped as crowds blocked the stairs, preventing escape from the rapidly spreading flames and thick smoke.
Many guests were forced to hide behind tables, desperately seeking protection from intense heat while waiting for rescue. The chaotic scene highlighted fundamental design flaws that turned basic architectural features into deadly obstacles during the emergency evacuation.
Massive Emergency Response Deployed
Swiss authorities launched an unprecedented rescue operation, deploying 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 emergency workers to the scene. By 3:00 AM, injured victims lined the streets outside the bar as the regional health system strained under the massive influx of casualties.
Chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed authorities ruled out any criminal attack, treating the incident as an accidental fire. Emergency responders worked through the night establishing a nearby bar as a temporary refuge while coordinating victim identification efforts for grieving families.
The tragedy raises serious questions about venue safety regulations and enforcement at Swiss hospitality establishments. This incident demonstrates how inadequate fire safety measures and poor emergency planning can turn celebratory events into catastrophic disasters, particularly when pyrotechnic elements are used carelessly in enclosed spaces.
