New Year's tragedy in Switzerland: Explosion at luxury ski resort

New Year's celebrations turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland's luxury Alpine ski resorts. An explosion at a bar in the resort town, located in the canton of Valais, caused fatalities during the night.

VIOLENT EXPLOSION AT MIDNIGHT

At approximately 01:30 on January 1, 2026, a violent explosion of unknown origin occurred at a two-story bar named "Le Constellation." Immediately following the explosion, a massive fire engulfed the building, and numerous fire and medical teams were dispatched to the scene.

Valais cantonal police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion officially confirmed that there were fatalities in the incident.

MANY DEAD AND SERIOUSLY INJURED

Eyewitnesses and medical teams arriving first at the scene reported that there were many seriously injured people inside and around the bar, and that the death toll could be high. While the injured were transported to nearby hospitals, extensive security measures were taken in the area.

PYROTECHNICS THEORY UNDER INVESTIGATION

The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. However, according to social media posts and local sources, authorities are focusing on the possibility that pyrotechnic effects used during a concert at the bar may have triggered the fire. Officials stated that a detailed investigation into the incident is ongoing.

DEATH TOLL RISES TO 40

According to a statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing Swiss police, the number of people who lost their lives in the explosion has risen to 40. While 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 rescue personnel were sent to the scene, it was learned that intensive care units have reached capacity.

"NO INDICATION OF AN ATTACK"

Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler did not specify the death toll at a press conference, but said that dozens of people are estimated to have died and more than 100 people have been injured.

Valais Cantonal Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud stated that the investigation into the explosion is continuing. Pilloud noted that they are primarily treating it as a fire, that there is no indication of an attack, and that she cannot provide further details at this time out of respect for the families.

Stating that efforts are underway to identify the victims and return the bodies to their families as quickly as possible, Prosecutor Pilloud said, "Significant work needs to be done to accomplish this. And this significant work will require the area to be cordoned off."

News Source: 12punto