Switzerland to hold five days of mourning after 40 killed in resort fire

January 1, 2026

TL;DR

An "unprecedented" fire at a New Year's Eve party in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed about 40 people and injured 115.
The fire reportedly started around 1:30 am in the Le Constellation bar, possibly due to sparklers or flares used with champagne.
Flames rapidly spread through the crowded basement bar, trapping many young attendees, with witnesses describing a surge as people tried to escape.
Switzerland's president, Guy Parmelin, described the event as one of the most traumatic in the country's history and declared five days of mourning.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the fire, with officials not yet commenting on emergency exits or the precise ignition source.
Injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich, with some sustaining severe burns and lung damage.
Italian officials reported 16 missing nationals and 12 injured.
Mourners gathered outside the bar, leaving flowers, while police cordoned off the scene for forensic investigation.
Speculation on the cause includes spilled shisha charcoal or a 'flashover' or 'backdraft' phenomenon.
Le Constellation, which could accommodate up to 300 people, was a popular venue for younger people and tourists.
Authorities have urged caution in the region due to the strain on medical resources.

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