Several people have died and others have been injured when an explosion devastated a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. According to an initial estimate released by the local media, at least ten people died and another ten were injured in the devastating fire.
The cause of the fire, which occurred after several explosions heard in the basement, remains to be determined. About a hundred people were on site at the time of the accident for New Year’s Eve celebrations, in the well-known Le Constellation bar, which can accommodate up to 400 people.
Rescue operations are still underway, the cantonal police announced. “There was an explosion whose origin is still unknown,” Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman for the canton of Valais in the south-west of the country, told AFP.
The area is completely closed to the public and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana. The Swiss Radio Television (RTS) also reported that hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland are being mobilized to treat major burn victims. Local medical sources also appealed to the population not to overload the healthcare system: “Show solidarity by avoiding activities that involve risks.”
The explosion occurred around 1.30 am while celebrations for the arrival of the new year were taking place. Images published by Swiss media show a building on fire and emergency services nearby. “The intervention is still ongoing,” the spokesperson added. According to sources from Radio Television Suisse (Rts), the origin of the devastating fire is suspected to be accidental and not malicious.
Emergency services are on site and Air-Glaciers helicopters have been mobilised. Numerous ambulances were also mobilized. Police have set up a helpline for families
Fire in a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland – 01 January 2026 (AFP)
Farnesina: checks on possible presence of Italians
“The Farnesina and the Consulate in Geneva are following the situation in Crans-Montana, where some explosions and a serious fire in a restaurant caused deaths and injuries. Checks are underway on the possible involvement of compatriots in conjunction with the local authorities”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote this in a note, adding that “Minister Antonio Tajani is informed. For any reports, contact the Consulate General of Italy in Geneva on 0041793253978 or the Crisis Unit on +39 0636225 or by email at [email protected]”.
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