A catastrophic fire has engulfed a popular alpine nightclub in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana ski resort during New Year’s celebrations, resulting in one of Europe’s deadliest nightlife disasters in recent history. The blaze erupted at approximately 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) on January 1, 2026, at Le Constellation bar, a well-established venue known for attracting both locals and international tourists.
Swiss authorities have confirmed a devastating human toll, with preliminary estimates indicating approximately forty fatalities and over one hundred individuals sustaining injuries, predominantly severe burns. The scale of the emergency required an unprecedented response, including the deployment of ten medical helicopters, forty ambulances, and 150 emergency personnel to the scene. Medical facilities in the Valais region reported their intensive care units at full capacity as they struggled to treat the influx of critically injured patients.
Chief Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud has categorically ruled out criminal intent, stating the incident is being treated as a tragic accident with “no question of any attack.” Initial police reports mentioning a possible explosion have been revised, with investigators now focusing on accidental causes, including speculation about pyrotechnics potentially triggering the blaze. The exact ignition source remains undetermined as forensic experts continue their examination.
The international dimension of the tragedy emerged as authorities confirmed victims hailed from multiple nationalities, reflecting Crans-Montana’s status as a premium winter destination during the peak holiday season. The UK Embassy and Italian Foreign Ministry both acknowledged the incident, with Rome officially citing Swiss police casualty figures. A dedicated helpline (+41 848 112 117) has been established for concerned families seeking information about loved ones.
Le Constellation, described as a spacious but unpretentious establishment capable of accommodating up to 300 patrons, featured a dual-level layout with a football viewing area upstairs and a large dance floor and bar downstairs. The timing proved particularly tragic as the venue would typically be filled to capacity with revelers celebrating the new year, though the exact attendance at the time of the incident remains unknown.
Regional Police Commander Frédéric Gisler detailed the emergency response, noting that the first responders arrived rapidly after smoke was detected emanating from the building. The operation has now transitioned to the complex process of victim identification and family notification, with Swiss authorities pledging to return remains to families as swiftly as possible.