A deadly fire at a packed bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed the lives of around 40 people, authorities confirmed on Thursday 1 January 2026. The blaze broke out during New Year's Eve celebrations, turning a night of partying into a scene of horror, with eyewitnesses reporting many of the victims were teenagers.
Chaos and Panic as Fire Erupted
Locals and tourists gathered quietly behind police cordons on Thursday, a stark contrast to the chaos of the night before. The fire is believed to have started at Le Constellation, a club popular with young people in the resort. Swiss mountain towns are renowned for their serious New Year's Eve festivities, attracting revellers from across the globe with DJs, fireworks, and a vibrant party atmosphere.
One of the first on the scene was Leon Christe, who works in Crans-Montana. He described a traumatic and chaotic situation where he tried to help administer first aid. "It was very chaotic and very sad," he said. "Everywhere, there were young people who needed help, some had their clothes burned off. It was very traumatising."
Eyewitness Accounts of a 'Horror Movie'
Other witnesses painted a harrowing picture of the desperate struggle to escape. Samuel Rapp recounted seeing "a lot of people trying to escape and screaming." He added, "It was horrible," confirming the club was filled with teenagers.
Oscar, a 19-year-old, described scenes of full panic. "Many people tried running out. People were banging on the windows, screaming. It was like a horror movie," he said. He suggested the thick windows may have hampered escape, leading to a crush as people fell on each other.
In a particularly distressing account, Oscar told of victims with severe burns who were in shock. "Some people's faces fully burned, like completely gone," he said. "People were asking me 'am I burned, is my face burned?' and I think the adrenaline must have made them not feel anything because they were completely fully burned and they didn't feel anything."
New Year Celebrations Turned to Tragedy
The tragedy struck after midnight, when younger partygoers often continue celebrations in late-night clubs. The wooden construction of many alpine buildings normally calls for caution, especially with fireworks being set off among crowds in town squares.
Video footage has emerged appearing to show the moment the fire began. The resort, like many in Switzerland, takes its New Year's Eve events seriously, making the incident a profound shock to the community and the many international visitors present. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
