Dozens of people are presumed dead and around 100 more injured after a fire ripped through a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.
The fire occurred at 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) in Le Constellation bar as scores of revellers celebrated New Year.
At a press conference on Thursday morning, authorities confirmed tens of people are presumed to have died.
Details of the nationalities of the victims have not been released, but an official said: “It is likely that victims are of different nationalities, maybe from abroad.”
A survivor has said the basement fire was sparked by a birthday candle held aloft by a waiter on a colleague’s shoulders.
Follow the latest updates below...
King 'greatly saddened' by fire at Swiss ski resort
Thursday 1 January 2026 20:17 , Megan HoweKing Charles said it was "utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such nightmarish tragedy".
Around 40 people have been killed and 115 injured, many seriously, in the blaze.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, the King said: "My wife and I were appalled, and greatly saddened, to learn of the devastating fire last night in Crans-Montana, in Switzerland.
"It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such nightmarish tragedy.
"While offering our admiration for the heroic first responders and the selfless emergency services, we wanted, above all, to convey our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have been so dreadfully affected by this horrific disaster.
"Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of all those who have so tragically lost their lives and with those who remain in a critical condition in hospital."
EU working with Swiss authorities to get medical help to victims
Thursday 1 January 2026 20:12 , Megan HoweEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is coordinating with Swiss authorities to provide medical assistance to victims of last night’s fire in south-west Switzerland.
She explained that the support is being delivered through the EU’s civil protection mechanism, which allows any country affected by a disaster—both within Europe and beyond—to request emergency aid.
Witness claims people were trying to break the glass with chairs in the bar
Thursday 1 January 2026 18:12 , Megan HoweAlexis, 18, said he was outside Le Constellation bar when he saw the fire “through the glass doors”.
"It was a real flame coming out," he tells Swiss broadcaster RTS. "It was coming out and... in fact, people were running through these flames."
"You could see the shadows. People were trying to break the glass with chairs in the bar."
What we know so far about the Swiss ski resort tragedy
Thursday 1 January 2026 17:35 , Megan Howe• Around 40 people have been killed and 115 injured, many of them seriously, in an overnight fire at the Le Constellation bar, according to the police commander
• Sixty of the injured are being treated at a hospital in Sion, while others have been transferred to hospitals in other Swiss cities
• Officials, including the attorney general, said they do not yet know how many people were inside the bar at the time of the fire, adding that this will be a key focus of the investigation
• A state councillor said the New Year’s Eve event was attended by a “young, festive crowd,” but stressed that none of the victims have been identified as minors
• Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced”
Officials looking to deliver answers 'as quickly as possible'
Thursday 1 January 2026 17:30 , Megan HoweAttorney General Beatrice Pilloud told a press conference that she is unable to provide a timeline for when the first findings of the fire investigation will be released.
She said investigative teams are working to deliver answers “as quickly as possible”.
When asked whether authorities know how many people were inside the bar at the time of the fire, Crans-Montana municipality president Nicolas Féraud said they do not.
He noted that venues are subject to regulations, and that security services carry out annual inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
Officials don't know how many people were in the bar, attorney general says
Thursday 1 January 2026 17:19 , Megan HoweAttorney General Beatrice Pilloud has been answering reporters questions at a press conference.
She says she doesn’t know the bar’s capacity, but this will form part of the investigation.
She said she did not know how many people were in the bar at the time the fire began.
Investigation into deadly fire 'will take time' as forensic experts brought in
Thursday 1 January 2026 16:51 , Sami QuadriPolice commander Frédéric Gisler said he expects several foreign nationals to be among the victims.
He added that officials are in contact with the families of the victims and keeping them updated in real time.
Gisler handed over to attorney general Beatrice Pilloud, who said officials will be looking into the source of the fire, but warned: "The work will take time."
She said "several hypotheses" for the cause of the blaze have been put forward, with the favoured theory currently being a "general fire which caused conflagration".
The attorney general said many witnesses have been interviewed and that telephones found at the scene will be analysed.
The forensic institute in Zurich has already been given a mandate to carry out an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, she said.
40 dead and 115 injured with 'many severely' hurt, police confirm
Thursday 1 January 2026 16:51 , Sami QuadriAt least 40 people have died and 115 are injured, "many severely", police commander Frédéric Gisler has told a press conference.
The priority over the coming days is to identify those who have died "so that their bodies can be returned rapidly" to their families, he said.
President of Swiss Federal Council addresses the young people that died
Thursday 1 January 2026 16:26 , Frankie Lister-FellGuy Parmelin has just said at the press conference: “Many of the victims were young too with many hopes projects and dreams.
“Their life must not be summed up int he way ut was ended.”
'One of the worst tragedies' to take place in Switzerland
Thursday 1 January 2026 16:21 , Frankie Lister-FellThe press conference has begun and President of the Confederation, Guy Parmelin, has spoken and shared his condolences.
He said the fire was “one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced”.
He added: “There is a lot of emotion”
Flower tributes left outside bar
Thursday 1 January 2026 15:54 , Frankie Lister-Fell.jpg?trim=110%2C0%2C110%2C0)
People have laid bouquets of flowers and candles to pay their respects.
Leaders around the world have commented on the tragedy including Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky released statements
Another press conference to be held this afternoon
Thursday 1 January 2026 14:56 , Frankie Lister-FellA news conference will be held at 5:15 pm local time (4:15 pm GMT) in the town of Sion.
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, will be joined by Valais authorities to update the public on the latest information.
This follows a press conference held at 9 am GMT this morning where the stark numbers of injured people were led bare.
Lausanne Hospital treating 22 young patients aged between 16 and 26
Thursday 1 January 2026 14:47 , Frankie Lister-Fell
Hospitals across the country have taken in an influx of patients after the regional hospital in Valais became overwhelmed with people.
Lausanne Hospital is looking after 22 young people who are aged between 16 and 26, news site 24heures reported. The hospital is known for its major burn unit.
Many of them are believed to be severely injured.
University Hospital Zurich, which also has a specialist department for treating major burns, is treating 12 patients, Sky News said.
'Large' numbers of young patients among injured
Thursday 1 January 2026 14:24 , Frankie Lister-FellHead of helicopter operations for Rega in Zurich has told Swiss broadcaster SRF that there were many young people rushed to hospital.
Philipp Simmen said eight helicopters were sent to Crans-Montana to help people.
There were now three copters transferring pateitns to specialised centres, and he said there were “large numbers of young patients”.
Watch the moment the bar catches fire
Thursday 1 January 2026 14:16 , Frankie Lister-FellA video posted on social media shows how the bar quickly caught fire.
Witness describes people 'screaming' as they all rushed through the main exit
Thursday 1 January 2026 14:09 , Frankie Lister-FellAn eye witness told Sky News about the chaotic scene when the fire took hold of the bar.
The witness, Samuel Rapp, told the broadcaster that people frantically tried to escape from the bar through the main exit.
Mr Rapp said: "A lot of people were screaming, it was horrible.
"People were screaming, I saw a lot of people on the floor. I think some were dead as someone put a jacket on someone's face."
He said he saw people who had lost their hair from the fire.
Some people who were at the bar were between the ages of 16 and 18 he said.
Video of shocking moment bar ceiling ignites
Thursday 1 January 2026 13:54 , Frankie Lister-FellA video has bene posted on social media of the terrifying moment the basement ceiling of Le Constellation bar catches fire.
The footage shows orange flames spreading across the ceiling while loud music plays.
Two survivors of the bar fire said they saw it start when a candle connected with the wooden roof of its basement.
There has been a massive explosion & fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, around 1:30 AM on Jan 1, 2026,
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) January 1, 2026
Around 40 People killed & many are injured. pic.twitter.com/Bma9BxrZ7I
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze quickly spread through the wooden roof and engulfed the space – causing mass panic as the crowd tried to escape.
Hospital in Italy made available to treat patients with severe burns
Thursday 1 January 2026 13:32 , Frankie Lister-FellMilan's Niguarda Hospital has made its major burns unit available for those who were injured.
Emergency services in the Aosta Valley region, which borders Switzerland near the ski resort, are on standby to assist.
PM of Italy Giorgia Meloni said in a translated statement on X that she was closely watching the situation and shared her sympathy.
She said: “On behalf of myself and the Government, I express the deepest condolences for the tragic fire that occurred in Switzerland, in Crans-Montana.
“I am closely following the evolving situation in order to gather all the information on what happened and on the possible involvement of fellow nationals.
“I thank the resources of Civil Protection already in operation and express my closeness to the families of the victims, to the injured, to the institutions, and to the Swiss people.”
Everything we know so far about New Year's Day fire tragedy
Thursday 1 January 2026 13:27 , Frankie Lister-FellAs details are still emerging about the horrific blaze which killed dozens of people in a ski resort in Switzerland, here’s everything we know so far.
- A huge fire broke out at 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) in Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana
- The fire started in the basement of the bar
- “Several dozen” people died
- Around 100 people are injured, many with severe burn injuries
- Two French people were among the wounded
- The regional hospital Valais’s intensive care unit is at capacity treating patients
- The incident was not a terror attack
What we don’t know yet is:
- If British people were injured
- How many people died exactly. The Italian Foreign Ministry said around 40 people were killed
- What officially started the fire. An eyewitness said it was caused by a candle that lit up the basement roof
'Dozens of pyrotechnic devices in bottles' lined tables in basement
Thursday 1 January 2026 12:20 , Michael HowieA local police spokesman confirmed that “dozens of pyrotechnic devices in bottles” lined tables in the basement of the bar.
He said the venue was licenced for 300 people inside, and 40 on an outside terrace, where smoking was permitted.
At least two French nationals were among the victims, and President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to all affected families.
He said on X: “Deep emotion after the fire in Crans-Montana. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured.
“To Switzerland, its people and its authorities, I extend France's full solidarity and our fraternal support.”
First pictures from inside bar
Thursday 1 January 2026 12:17 , Michael HowieThe video from local police includes footage appearing to be from inside the fire-hit bar.
The brief clip shows what looks like upturned seating and damaged cushions.
It’s taken at ground level, and doesn’t show any obvious sign of fire damage from the blaze which ripped through the basement club.
Local journalist said fire 'one of worst tragedies' in Switzerland's history
Thursday 1 January 2026 12:01 , Frankie Lister-FellA reporter from Swiss newspaper Blick was at the scene of the devastating fire.
He told Sky News: “The amount of dead and injured is not clear, we only know that it's one of the worst tragedies in the younger history of this country."
He said the exact number of dead people is not clear because there was no guestlist at the bar for the event.
Scale of emergency operation revealed in video
Thursday 1 January 2026 11:40 , Frankie Lister-FellA video from the Valais police shows the chaotic aftermath following the fire as firefighters, police and paramedics arrive at the scene.
Eyewitness says candle caused bar's basement ceiling to catch fire
Thursday 1 January 2026 11:35 , Frankie Lister-FellTwo survivors of the bar fire said they saw it start when a candle connected with the wooden roof of its basement.
A woman told French TV channel BFM: “During the evening, a waiter climbed onto another waiter's shoulders.
“He was holding a birthday candle, which was very close to the ceiling, and [the ceiling] caught fire in a couple of minutes.”
Another woman said: “The staircase leading out of the nightclub was extremely narrow. There was a huge surge in the crowd.
“We managed to escape just in time.”
Police commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed the fire “started in the basement of the bar” and there was a crush as people desperately tried to get out via the single staircase.
Trapped people desperately 'smashed windows' to escape fire
Thursday 1 January 2026 11:19 , Frankie Lister-FellAn eye-witness has described a terrifying scene at the Le Constellation bar when a deadly fire broke out early this morning.
The person, who was standing across the street from the blaze, told French broadcaster BFMTV that people were desperately smashing windows to escape.
Some were severely injured and the incident was like a horror movie.
Panicked parents rushed to the scene in cars to see whether their children were trapped inside.
The witness said he saw around 20 people scrambling to get out of the smoke and flames.
Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene to assist victims, including some from other countries.
Two French people injured in fire
Thursday 1 January 2026 11:10 , Frankie Lister-Fell
France's foreign ministry told Sky News that two French nationals were injured in the fire and subsequent blast that happened in a ski resort bar early this morning.
It said in a statement: "France extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the fire that broke out on 1 January in Crans-Montana.
"It expresses its full solidarity and support to the Swiss people and authorities.
"Two French nationals are among the injured. They were immediately taken into care by the emergency services."
It’s not clear yet if any British people were caught in the blaze.
The British embassy in Switzerland said it has not been asked for assistance.
Injured people airlifted to hospitals across Switzerland
Thursday 1 January 2026 11:08 , Frankie Lister-FellAround 100 people were injured in the devastating New Year’s Day fire. Many are thought to be seriously hurt.
Patients have been dispatched to hospitals across the country, to Sion, Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich.
Local media 24Heures said several people had been airlifted to a hospital in Bern, which was already under pressure because of skiing accidents.
Bern is 186 km away from the ski resort.
Four people were admitted to the Riviera-Chablais Hospital in Rennaz, the outlet stated.
Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin said on X: "What was meant to be a moment of joy turned, on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, into mourning that touches the entire country and far beyond.”
No request for help from British nationals so far, Foreign Office confirms
Thursday 1 January 2026 10:46 , Frankie Lister-FellIt is not clear yet if any people from the UK were involved in the fire.
But the Foreign Office has told The Standard that it has not received any requests for consular assistance from British people affected by the fire.
In a statement, it said: “Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response.
“We will continue to monitor the situation, and our consular staff stand ready to support any British nationals who may be affected.”
Swiss emergency services are responding to a fire in Crans-Montana, with nationals from multiple countries likely affected. We continue to monitor the situation. Whilst we have not been approached for assistance, our staff stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7.
— UK in Switzerland 🇬🇧🇨🇭🇱🇮 (@UKEmbassyBerne) January 1, 2026
If…
Any British nationals in need of consular assistance call + 44 (0) 20 7008 5000 and select the option for “Consular services for British nationals” or contact local consular support at www.gov.uk/world/embassies
Type of fire that killed 'several dozen' people revealed
Thursday 1 January 2026 10:38 , Frankie Lister-FellThe type of fire that killed “several dozen” people and injured 100 others early this morning has been specified by officials.
At the press conference this morning, local officials said the blaze was a "embrasement generalise".
This is a firefighting term describing how a fire can trigger the release of combustible gases which viciously ignite.
Swiss police said "several tens of people" are presumed dead. The Italian Foreign Ministry said that Swiss police told them around 40 people died in the fire.
Images of damage to the building
Thursday 1 January 2026 10:33 , Frankie Lister-Fell
A photo showing how the fire damaged Le Constellation bar has emerged.
The exterior does not look too devastated by the fire. Media reports suggest the blaze broke out in the basement of the building.
Experts have not yet been able to go inside the building yet.
The incident occurred at around 1:30 am local time on Thursday, New Year’s Day, in Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort, 25 miles north of the Matterhorn.
'State of emergency' declared, says local media
Thursday 1 January 2026 10:24 , Frankie Lister-Fell
The Swiss newspaper Blik has said it’s seen an official press release from the Presidium of the State Council which declared a state of emergency in the country.
It said: “In order to be able to mobilise all necessary resources immediately over the next few days and to take measures to cope with the consequences of this tragic event.
“The State Council has decided to declare a state of emergency from 9:00 am on January 1st.”
The public has been asked to avoid the area and follow instructions from the emergency services and authorities.
Italian Foreign Ministry say 40 people dead
Thursday 1 January 2026 10:08 , Frankie Lister-FellThe Italian Foreign Ministry has said in a statement that it’s believed around 40 people died in the tragic fire at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort.
The victims could not be easily identified because of the severity of their burns, it said.
The fire is not a terror incident and was not thought to have been caused by arson.
Psychological support centres opened for families
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:57 , Frankie Lister-FellAround 100 people were rushed to hospital with injuries and several people are thought to be dead.
Mathias Reynard, President of the Valais State Council said that psychological support centres have been opened for families at different hospital sites in the region.
'Probable' that victims are foreign tourists
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:54 , Frankie Lister-FellFrédéric Gisler, Commander of the Valais Cantonal Police said the area was “magnificent” and receives “tourists from around the world”. It is therefore “probable” that “victims will be of different nationalities”.
He said “several” people had died.
But he added he can’t give a more accurate figure on the number of people that have died at this stage “out of respect for families”.
Reporter 'had the impression people were trapped' in blaze
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:47 , Frankie Lister-FellA journalist has asked at the press conference: “Where were the emergency exits we had the impression people were trapped, truly trapped. Were there no emergency exits?”
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud responded: “This incident took place just a few hours ago.
“There are many significant resources that have been mobilised. Currently it is too early to answer your question.”
Intensive care unit at local hospital full as 100 people injured in fire
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:39 , Frankie Lister-FellMathias Reynard, President of the Valais State Council, said at the press conference that around 100 people injured from the fire, many of them with severe burns.
They were rushed to a Valais hospital, which quickly implemented a “disaster plan”. He said the intensive care unit was now full and some injured people have been transferred to other hospitals.
There was a large mobilisation of emergency crews, including 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 responders. “We must thank them,” he said.
Dozens of people are thought to be dead
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:31 , Frankie Lister-FellPolice say dozens of people thought to be dead and more than 100 people are injured.
People asked to avoid "risky" activities as hospitals treat injured people
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:24 , Frankie Lister-FellThe state councillor for Valais, where the ski resort is, has shared a statement.
Stéphane Ganzer posted on social media about the “terrible tragedy”: “Emergency services are out in force and working courageously.
"Hospitals across the country are dealing with an influx of injured people.
"To help them in their work, please avoid all risky activities today. Thank you on their behalf."
Police press conference delayed
Thursday 1 January 2026 09:18 , Frankie Lister-Fell
A press conference with the police was due to begin at 9 am GMT. We’re just waiting to hear from officials and will share any updates here.
New Year's Day countdown event finished half an hour before explosion
Thursday 1 January 2026 08:46 , Frankie Lister-FellA free new year’s eve event with a countdown and DJs was held in the local square Victoria Plaza to celebrate 2026.
It ran from 9:30 pm to 1 am meaning it finished about half an hour before the explosion in the bar.
Crans Montana 🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/bHwLSDN7Mb
— NIO 🇨🇭 Investor (@NIOSwitzerland) January 1, 2026
The party was about a 17 minute walk or 8 minute bus away from The Constellation bar, where reportedly 100 were when the explosion happened.
Where is Crans-Montana?
Thursday 1 January 2026 08:28 , Frankie Lister-FellCrans-Montana is a ski resort in the Valais region of the Swiss Alps, which is in southwestern Switzerland.
It’s set across two linked mountain villages at roughly 1,500m above sea level.
A one-week ski pass costs around £307.
The area has a long history of hosting major international competitions, particularly ski races.
In February this year, it saw the return of the men’s speed races while it hosted the Ski World Cups.
Hospitals overwhelmed by burn victims, local media says
Thursday 1 January 2026 08:10 , Frankie Lister-FellSwiss daily newspaper Blick has reported that hospitals in western Switzerland are under substantial pressure because of an influx of patients with burn injuries.
10 people died in the explosion.
No-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana
Thursday 1 January 2026 07:59 , Frankie Lister-Fell
Police confirmed that the whole area has been totally closed off.
A no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana.
A no-fly zone is a designated area of airspace where specific aircraft are banned from flying.
The first official images have been released from the scene, showing police patrolling near the explosion.
Police say explosion is not a terror incident
Thursday 1 January 2026 07:48 , Frankie Lister-Fell
Swiss police told Sky News that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist incident.
At around 1:30 am this morning, New Year’s Eve celebrations turned into a nightmare when an explosion at a ski resort bar killed 10 people and injured 10 others.
The fire happened at the Crans-Montana Ski Resort.
Ten dead in explosion
Thursday 1 January 2026 07:39 , Frankie Lister-FellSwiss police have told Sky News that at least 10 people are dead and 10 others are injured after an explosion at a ski resort bar.
Police have also confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror related.
One of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts
Thursday 1 January 2026 07:21 , Michael HowieCrans-Montana is one of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts.
The resort in the Valais Alps features 140 km of varied pistes between 1,500m and 3,000m, including the Plaine Morte glacier.
Its runs offer stunning views of the Matterhorn, some 25 miles to the south, and Mont Blanc.
Video footage shows fire raging inside building
Thursday 1 January 2026 07:19 , Michael HowieVideo is circulating on social media appearing to show a fire raging inside the bar.
Unverified footage, appearing to have been taken from a road outside the bar, shows flames and smoke pouring from the building as a crowd of people stand outside.
#Breaking : Explosion followed by fire in a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killing several people and leaving others critically injured... pic.twitter.com/KbHoPPigQc
— Mythos (@Mythos90X) January 1, 2026
'Many dead' in fire at bar in Swiss ski resort
Thursday 1 January 2026 07:12 , Michael HowieMany people have been killed after an explosion and fire at bar in the Swiss Alps ski resort of Crans-Montana, according to police.
More than 100 people were celebrating New Year in the bar at the winter tourism resort when the incident occurred.
“The fire started around 1.30am this morning in a bar called `Le Constellation,'" police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion said.
“More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.”
Police have scheduled a news conference for 10am local time (9am GMT).
