New Year horror in Switzerland: Dozens feared dead in Crans-Montana bar explosion
Several dozen people are feared dead and more than 100 injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a bar at the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, local police said, according to media reports.
Authorities said the deceased include people of multiple nationalities, confirming the international nature of the victims in the popular tourist destination.
The blast occurred at Le Constellation bar around 1:30 am local time, when revellers had gathered to usher in the New Year.
Videos circulating on social media showed the bar engulfed in flames as celebrations were underway.
#BREAKING: Explosion and fire reported at Le Constellation Bar in Swiss Ski-Resort town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland during New Year's Eve. Several people reportedly killed and critically injured. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/QDzRrhVUJM
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 1, 2026
Beatrice Pilloud, Prosecutor-General of Switzerland’s Valais canton, said an investigation has been launched “to identify the circumstances which caused this dramatic situation to occur,” the BBC reported. She added that there was no indication of an attack.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and facilitate the return of bodies to their respective families.
A massive rescue operation was launched, involving 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and around 150 emergency responders.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid rushing to hospitals unnecessarily, warning that medical facilities are already under severe strain.
Crans-Montana, located in Switzerland’s Sierre district, has a permanent population of just over 10,000 people.
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