Explosion in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana kills at least 40 during New Year's celebrations

Authorities said several people were injured in the blast at a bar in the Swiss ski resort. (IMAGE: @OsiOsint1/X)

Several people were killed and others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, Swiss police said, as revellers were celebrating the New Year.

Regional daily Le Nouvelliste said its sources were describing “a heavy toll", with “around 40 dead and 100 injured". Police also said the explosion is not being treated as terror-related.

“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman in Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland, told AFP.

“There are several injured, and several dead,” he said.

🇨🇭⚡ Several people were ki!!ed and others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police say.

A cantonal police spokesperson told AFP that the blast was of unknown origin while confirming multiple fatalities. pic.twitter.com/GGbEOvvKrk — Osint World (@OsiOsint1) January 1, 2026

According to police, the blast occurred at around 1.30 am local time (0030 GMT) at Le Constellation, a bar popular with tourists in the resort town. Swiss broadcaster RTS reported that the explosion originated in the basement of the bar and triggered a fire.

Le Constellation, which is typically open until 2.00 am, has the capacity to accommodate up to 400 people.

Images published by Swiss media showed a building engulfed in flames, with emergency services rushing to the scene. Multiple ambulances were deployed, while Air-Glaciers helicopters were mobilised for rescue and evacuation operations. Authorities said rescue and security operations were still underway.

Police have set up a helpline for families seeking information, and a press conference is scheduled for 10.00 am local time.

“The intervention is still ongoing,” Lathion added, according to AFP.

While an accidental cause has not been ruled out, the exact origin of the explosion and subsequent fire remains unknown.