CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — A devastating fire ripped through a popular bar during New Year’s celebrations in this renowned Alpine resort, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities. The tragedy struck in the early hours of Thursday when flames engulfed ‘Le Constellation’ bar at approximately 1:30 a.m., while more than one hundred revelers were inside the establishment.
Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion confirmed the severity of the incident, stating that emergency responders encountered ‘many injured and many dead’ at the scene. The resort community, typically bustling with international tourists during the holiday season, has been plunged into mourning as investigators work to determine the fire’s origin.
Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana represents both a premier ski destination and a rapidly evolving municipality. The area, located just 40 kilometers north of the iconic Matterhorn peak, has been actively transitioning from traditional tourism toward becoming a hub for high-tech research and development. Despite these modernization efforts, the region remains deeply connected to its winter sports heritage.
Authorities have established both a reception center and dedicated helpline for affected families as the community grapples with the scale of the tragedy. The investigation remains in its preliminary stages, with officials noting the particular challenges presented by the international nature of the resort’s visitor population.
The municipality, formed through the merger of multiple towns in 2017, spans 590 hectares from the Rhône Valley to the Plaine Morte glacier, with its highest point reaching nearly 3,000 meters elevation. This tragic event has cast a shadow over what should have been a festive celebration in one of Switzerland’s most picturesque alpine settings.