Swiss Ski Resort Club Fire Leaves Dozens Dead and Hundreds Injured During New Year Celebrations

A New Year’s Eve celebration in the Swiss Alps descended into tragedy when a fire engulfed a crowded nightclub in the ski resort town of Crans‑Montana, claiming the lives of at least 40 people and leaving more than 100 injured. The blaze broke out in the early hours of January 1 at Le Constellation, a basement bar packed with partygoers celebrating the arrival of 2026, turning a night of joy into a scene of horror.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the fire spread with alarming speed. Authorities believe the blaze was triggered when sparkler-style party candles, attached to champagne bottles as part of the celebrations, came into contact with flammable ceiling materials. Within minutes, the confined basement space was filled with smoke and flames, creating a deadly situation that left patrons struggling to escape. Experts suggest a flashover, a sudden and rapid ignition of combustible materials, contributed to the fire’s swift and devastating spread.

Panic ensued as smoke thickened and visibility dropped to near zero. Many clubgoers rushed to the narrow staircase leading out of the basement, which quickly became overcrowded, forcing some to break windows to flee. Survivors described a harrowing scene, recalling the intensity of the heat, smoke inhalation, and the struggle to find an exit amid the crowd. Authorities later confirmed that most victims were young adults, including both Swiss nationals and international visitors enjoying the holiday season.

Emergency responders arrived within minutes of the first alarms, mobilizing firefighters, medical teams, and police. Injured victims were transported to hospitals across Switzerland, with some requiring transfer to specialized burn and trauma centers in other regions. Medical staff reported treating patients primarily for severe burns and smoke inhalation, emphasizing the challenges of managing such a high number of casualties simultaneously.

Swiss authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Prosecutors are examining whether the club followed fire safety regulations, including the use of flammable materials, the availability and accessibility of emergency exits, and adherence to local safety codes. The club’s management, reportedly French nationals, is under investigation for possible negligence and regulatory violations.

The tragedy has shocked the local community, ski resort visitors, and the international public. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the gravest tragedies our country has experienced in peacetime,” highlighting the immense scale of loss and the widespread grief felt across the region. Authorities are working to identify all victims, some of whom are so severely burned that forensic methods are required for identification, and are offering support to families searching for missing loved ones.