Switzerland Bar Blast on New Year 2026 Celebrations: Several Dozen Feared Dead in Le Constellation Bar and Lounge Explosion in Alpine Ski Resort Town (Watch Videos)
A massive explosion followed by a devastating fire tore through the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day, leaving at least 10 people confirmed dead and many others missing. The blast occurred on Thursday as more than 100 revelers were celebrating the start of 2026 in the world-renowned Alpine ski resort town.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland, January 1: A massive explosion followed by a devastating fire tore through the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day, leaving at least 10 people confirmed dead and many others missing. The blast occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday as more than 100 revelers were celebrating the start of 2026 in the world-renowned Alpine ski resort town. While official counts are still being finalized, emergency officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise significantly, with some local reports suggesting the number of fatalities could reach "several dozen."
Emergency Response and Casualties
Police in the canton of Valais confirmed that the two-story venue was packed with international tourists and locals when the explosion occurred. "We are seeing many injured and many dead," said police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion during an early morning briefing. Police commander Frédéric Gisler later stated he was "devastated" by the tragedy, acknowledging the potential for a heavy loss of life. Crans Montana Blast on New Year 2026 Celebrations: Many Feared Dead After Explosion Rips Through Le Constellation Bar in Alpine Ski Resort Town of Switzerland, Video Surfaces.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing, involving dozens of firefighters, medical teams, and several helicopters. A no-fly zone has been established over the municipality to allow air ambulances to transport the critically injured to specialized burn units. Medical staff at nearby Sion hospital have described the situation as overwhelming.
Investigation into the Cause
The cause of the blast at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge remains under investigation. Forensic teams have cordoned off the center of the resort to determine the origin of the explosion. While authorities stated the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related, Swiss media outlet Blick reported that the fire may have been triggered by pyrotechnics used during a concert inside the bar. Police officials have not yet confirmed these claims, noting that the investigation is in its earliest stages. Fire in Netherlands: Historic Vondelkerk Church Engulfed by Fire, Collapses on New Year’s Day; NL-Alerts Issued Across Cities.
Switzerland Bar Blast
Impact on the Alpine Community
The tragedy has devastated the luxury Alpine ski resort town, which is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps about 40 kilometers north of the Matterhorn. Crans-Montana is a premier destination for global tourism, and the New Year’s period is typically its busiest week. Mathias Reynard, President of the Canton of Valais, addressed the media on Thursday morning, stating that a night of celebration has turned into a "nightmare" for the region. A dedicated helpline and a reception center have been established to assist the families of the victims and those still searching for missing loved ones.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2026 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).