Swiss authorities have confirmed that a devastating fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort claimed the lives of an estimated 40 people, with 115 others injured. The blaze erupted at the Le Constellation bar around 1:30 am local time on January 1, as New Year’s Eve celebrations were in full swing. Many of the victims were young people, trapped in the inferno as they attempted to flee via a narrow staircase.
Nineteen-year-old Nathan Huguenin, who was at the bar to celebrate the arrival of 2026, described his harrowing experience. “I feel like it’s actually a nightmare, that I’m going to wake up,” he said. “I saw people being resuscitated. I saw people completely burned. I saw people dying.”
Another survivor, Axel Clavier, recounted the chaos as the fire engulfed the venue. “We were trapped. A lot of people were trapped,” he explained. “We couldn’t see because of the smoke. I managed to break a window and get out through the window. Half of my clothes were gone, it was crazy.”
The Investigation and Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses have reported that sparklers, some attached to champagne bottles, were being waved near the bar’s wooden ceiling when the fire broke out. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the blaze. Swiss authorities stated that the bar was consumed by a “flashover,” a phenomenon where all combustible materials in an enclosed space ignite simultaneously.
Footage from the scene showed flames engulfing the bar’s ceiling, and at least one explosion was heard during the incident. Despite the chaos, authorities have ruled out terrorism as a cause.
Impact on the Community and Emergency Response
Crans-Montana, known for its luxurious slopes and high-end amenities, attracts a wealthy international clientele during the ski season. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is making “urgent inquiries” to determine if any of its citizens were affected.
Philipp Simmen of Switzerland’s air-rescue service reported that survivors with burn injuries are being transferred to hospitals and specialized clinics. “It became clear that there were also a large number of young patients among them,” he told Swiss broadcaster SRF. Lausanne University Hospital, located about 90 minutes away, has received 22 patients, most aged between 16 and 26.
National and International Reactions
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the fire as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced,” noting the significant loss of young lives. The disaster has also prompted international concern, with Rome’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, stating that identifying the deceased “will take time” due to the severity of their burns. Sixteen Italians are reported missing, while 12 have been hospitalized.
“Unfortunately, many victims are unidentifiable due to the severity of their burns,” said Gian Lorenzo Cornado.
Crans-Montana is situated less than 100 kilometers from Switzerland’s borders with France and Italy, underscoring the international dimension of the tragedy. The legal framework in Switzerland allows 16-year-olds to enter bars and consume beer and wine, although the age for spirits is 18, which may have contributed to the high number of young victims.
Looking Ahead: Safety Measures and Memorials
As the investigation continues, questions about safety regulations and emergency preparedness in entertainment venues are likely to arise. The tragedy at Crans-Montana may prompt a reevaluation of fire safety standards, particularly in establishments frequented by young people.
Meanwhile, the community and families affected by the disaster are beginning to organize memorials and support networks for those grieving. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers in crowded venues, especially during festive occasions.
As authorities work to provide answers and support to the victims’ families, the world watches with empathy and concern, hoping for lessons that will prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
