Swiss authorities have ruled out any terror or criminal attack in the deadly explosion and fire that tore through a luxury bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 40 people.
Investigators said the focus is firmly on a fire-related incident, although the exact cause of the blast remains unknown.
Valais prosecutor-general Beatrice Pilloud said an investigation is under way “to identify the circumstances which caused this dramatic situation to occur,” according to the BBC.
She made it clear that there is no suspicion of an attack. “Currently we are favouring a fire and at no time is there question of any attack,” Pilloud said, adding that authorities are limiting disclosures “out of respect for the families.”
The explosion occurred in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, where more than 150 people had gathered to ring in the New Year. Swiss police have described the death toll only as “tens,” but the Italian Foreign Ministry, citing Swiss authorities, said at least 40 people were killed and around 100 injured, many of them with severe burns.
Valais cantonal police commander Frederic Gisler said identifying victims and notifying families will take time. “We are devastated,” he said, as quoted by the Associated Press.
Pilloud said extensive forensic work is still required and confirmed that the affected district will remain temporarily closed so investigators can proceed and bodies can be returned to families as quickly as possible.
Witness accounts cited by French broadcaster BFMTV suggest the fire may have spread rapidly after a lit candle ignited a wooden ceiling. Officials described the incident as an “embrasement généralisé,” a sudden and violent flashover. Swiss media initially speculated about fireworks, but police said the cause has not yet been established.
A police spokesperson, Gaetan Lathion, told AFP that the explosion was of “unknown origin.”
Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed as helicopters and ambulances ferried victims to nearby hospitals. Regional officials said intensive care units and operating theatres reached capacity within hours. Authorities have since set up a helpline for families and imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana.
The tragedy comes against the backdrop of Switzerland experiencing an unusual period of drought and recurring forest fires in recent years. Official data shows that more than 3 percent of the country’s forest cover was lost to fires between 2001 and 2024.
Crans-Montana is a major international tourist destination in the Swiss Alps, located about two hours from Bern and known for hosting winter sports and golf events. Officials have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in the coming days as medical resources remain under strain.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said in a social media post that the government’s “thoughts go to the victims, to the injured and their relatives.” Swiss broadcasters reported that his traditional New Year address was delayed as a mark of respect for those affected by the tragedy.
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