Several people have been feared dead and many others injured after a devastating fire broke out during a New Year celebration at an Alpine ski resort in southern Switzerland.
According to the spokesperson for the Valais police, Gaetan Lathion, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Le Constellation Lounge Bar in Crans-Montana, a popular ski destination in the canton of Valais.
“This morning, January 1, 2026, a fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation lounge bar in Crans-Montana in the canton of Valais,” Lathion confirmed.
“There are several injuries and several fatalities,” he added.
The police spokesman, however, declined to provide specific figures for the number of victims or details about the possible cause of the blaze.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, but authorities said the full extent of the damage and casualties was still being assessed.
Crans-Montana, known for its luxury ski resorts and high-end holiday retreats, had been hosting hundreds of visitors for New Year festivities when the tragedy struck.
Police said more information will be made available later in the day.
“A press conference will be held with police and the canton’s public prosecutor at around 10 a.m.,” Lathion stated.
