Bern (Parliament Politics Magazine) – An explosion at the Crans-Montana ski resort bar killed at least 10 people and injured several others during New Year celebrations, police say.
According to BBC’s Owen Amos, Swiss authorities reported multiple deaths and injuries following a Thursday explosion and fire at a Crans-Montana bar.
What happened at the Crans-Montana ski resort bar?
During New Year celebrations at Crans-Montana’s Le Constellation bar, an early morning explosion on January 1 around 1:30 am left multiple dead and injured.
Crans-Montana, a luxury resort in Switzerland’s Valais region, is popular with British tourists and lies about two hours from Bern.
According to Swiss-German outlet Blick, police confirmed an early morning explosion at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge.
Swiss news outlet Blick reported that the explosion and fire at the Crans-Montana ski bar may have been triggered by pyrotechnics during a concert. The tragic incident happened during New Year celebrations, and the bar, located in the building’s basement, is now under control.
According to Valais Cantonal Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion, the blast and fire have resulted in multiple deaths.
He said,
“Around 1.30 am, an incident occurred in Crans-Montana. Several injured people are being treated. I can confirm that there are several fatalities.”
Lathion added,
“We are seeing many injured and many dead. We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists.”
Authorities reported that Crans-Montana has been completely sealed off, with a no-fly zone now in effect.
According to the Swiss Radio station Rhone FM, more than 100 people were inside the bar when the blast occurred. Witnesses reported a large emergency response, including ambulances and helicopters, to assist the injured.
A doctor with the Swiss air ambulance service said hospitals are struggling to cope with burn victims, and the total number of deaths and injuries remains unknown.
According to reports, more than 100 people were at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge during the fire. The bar has a capacity of over 300, but the exact number inside has not been confirmed.
During the emergency response in Crans-Montana, flight tracking data showed helicopter activity. The aircraft HB-ZUO and HB-XDI are both operated by the Swiss company Air Zermatt, known for mountain rescue and transport.
Where were the New Year fireworks held in Switzerland?
New Year’s Eve fireworks for 2025/2026 took place across Switzerland. In Zurich, a major display started at 00:20 am over Lake Zurich, launched from ships on the water.
Geneva welcomed the New Year on Quai Gustave-Ador with live music, street food vendors, and a fireworks show over Lake Geneva at midnight.
The “Touch the Mountains” music festival in Interlaken ended on January 1, 2026, with a major fireworks display at 7:45 pm on the Höhematte.
Where is Crans-Montana located?
Crans-Montana, an upscale ski resort in the Sierre district of Valais, Switzerland, is popular with British and international tourists. The resort offers around 87 miles of ski trails and is about two hours from Bern.
The resort began in 1893 with the opening of its first hotel, transforming the alpine meadows into a health-focused destination with sanatoriums. In 1911, Switzerland’s longest funicular from Sierre opened, and the town hosted one of the world’s first major downhill ski races.
Crans-Montana is globally known for hosting the 1987 Alpine Ski World Championships and regular World Cup events. The resort is also recognized for luxury tourism, the Omega European Masters golf tournament, and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management.