Police rule out terror after deadly fire kills 'several tens of people' at Swiss ski resort bar: What we know so far

Police officers stand guard at the site of an explosion that ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026. (Photo by MAXIME SCHMID / AFP)

A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, during New Year celebrations killed an estimated 40 people and injured about 100, many critically. Authorities ruled out terrorism and say hospitals are overwhelmed as investigations continue.

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A devastating fire during New Year celebrations at a crowded bar in the Swiss Alps has left “several tens of people” presumed dead and around 100 injured, many of them critically, Swiss police said on Thursday.

The blaze broke out at Crans-Montana, a luxury ski resort town, at a venue called Le Constellation. Authorities said it is too early to establish what caused the fire, but investigators have ruled out terrorism.

Police have not released an exact death toll, citing the scale of the tragedy and the difficulty in confirming identities. Emergency responders rushed to the scene with helicopters and ambulances as victims from multiple countries were pulled from the burning building.

“We are devastated,” Frederic Gisler, commander of the Valais Cantonal Police, told reporters.

While Swiss authorities declined to give specific numbers, Italy’s foreign ministry said Swiss police believe around 40 people may have died, with approximately 100 injured.

The scale of the injuries quickly overwhelmed local medical infrastructure. Regional councillor Mathias Renard said the intensive care unit and operating theatre at the regional hospital reached full capacity within hours of the incident.

Authorities confirmed that many of the injured are in serious condition. Medical teams have been placed on emergency footing as patients continue to be transferred and treated.

With ski season in full swing, officials urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in the coming days. Local authorities warned that hospitals and emergency services are already stretched and cannot absorb additional strain.

About Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn and roughly 130 kilometres south of Zurich. The resort sits at an altitude approaching 3,000 metres and is a popular destination for international tourists, particularly during the winter season.

The municipality has a permanent population of around 10,000 residents. It was formally established in January 2017 following the merger of several towns and spans roughly 590 hectares from the Rhone Valley to the Plaine Morte glacier.

In recent years, local officials have said they are seeking to diversify the economy beyond tourism by attracting high-tech research and development. Thursday’s tragedy, however, has plunged the Alpine community into mourning as investigators work to determine how the deadly fire unfolded.