Several Dead After Devastating NYE Fire At Upscale Ski Resort

Several people are confirmed dead and dozens of others injured after a devastating fire erupted at an upscale Swiss ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations

The incident occurred at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, located in the Valais canton of southwestern Switzerland.

Crans-Montana is situated in the Swiss Alps, about 200 kilometers south of Bern, near the borders with France and Italy. The resort is known for its 140 kilometers of ski pistes, 24 lifts, gourmet restaurants, luxury stores, and history of hosting major sporting events. It was acquired by Vail Resorts in 2024.

Flames erupted at approximately 1:30 AM local time, during New Year’s Eve celebrations.  The fire started in the bar, which includes upper and lower levels and can accommodate up to 300 people indoors, plus an additional 40 on a terrace.

At the time, more than 100 individuals were present, many of them young people aged 16 to 26, including local residents and tourists from various nationalities. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire spread rapidly, possibly beginning on a lower floor.

Some reports mention a flashover event, where combustible materials ignited quickly, leading to one or more explosions. Witnesses described seeing flames from a champagne bottle or a birthday candle held near the wooden ceiling, which may have contributed to the ignition, though this has not been confirmed.

Authorities have confirmed around 40 deaths, with the figure provided by Swiss police to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over 100 people sustained injuries, primarily severe burns, with many in serious condition.

Italy offered support by making available the burns unit at Milan’s Niguarda Hospital and emergency services from the Aosta Valley. Due to the extent of burns on some victims, identification processes may take weeks.

Emergency services responded promptly after being alerted to smoke emerging from the bar. The deployment included 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 personnel from police, fire, and medical teams.

Injured individuals were airlifted to hospitals in Sion, Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich. The Valais cantonal government declared a state of emergency. The area surrounding the bar was cordoned off, and a no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana to facilitate operations.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by Valais cantonal police and specialist forensic teams. Officials, including Prosecutor-General Beatrice Pilloud, have stated that there is no evidence of a terror attack or intentional act, and they are focusing on the possibility of an accidental fire.