Chicago – January 01, 2026
About 40 people were killed and 115 others injured when a fire ripped through a crowded bar during New Year’s celebrations at a Swiss Alpine resort, authorities said Thursday. Most of the injured are reported to be in serious condition.
The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, in southwestern Switzerland. Police said the venue was packed with New Year’s revelers when the blaze quickly engulfed the building.
Officials said about 40 people were confirmed dead, while 115 others suffered injuries ranging from severe burns to smoke inhalation. A large-scale emergency operation deployed dozens of ambulances and helicopters, and a reception center and helpline were set up for affected families.
Authorities stressed it is too early to determine the cause of the fire, and investigators have not yet been able to fully examine the wreckage. Regional and federal leaders expressed shock, calling the disaster one of Switzerland’s worst recent tragedies and extending condolences to victims’ families
