EuroWire, BERN: Dozens of people were killed and around 100 others injured early Thursday when a fire swept through a crowded nightclub in the Swiss alpine resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to local police. The blaze erupted shortly after 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a popular late-night venue in the luxury ski destination, drawing a massive emergency response as flames engulfed the building within minutes. Police said several dozen victims were confirmed dead, while many of the injured sustained severe burns or smoke inhalation. Frederic Gisler, commander of the cantonal police, said emergency teams faced chaotic scenes as guests fled the club and rescuers battled to contain the blaze in freezing temperatures. Hospitals across the Wallis canton were placed on high alert, and medical centers in Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva received transfers as authorities declared a regional emergency.
Swiss authorities investigate cause of Crans-Montana disaster. (AI-enhanced image)
Eyewitness footage shared on social media showed intense orange flames and thick smoke pouring from the building while people screamed and attempted to escape through narrow exits. Firefighters worked through the night to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent properties, which include several hotels and private chalets popular among holiday visitors. Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, though early reports suggest it may have been linked to pyrotechnics or special effects used during a New Year concert inside the venue. Investigators are examining video evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine whether safety regulations were breached. Officials emphasized that there was no indication of foul play or a deliberate attack. Police cordoned off the area, and airspace above the resort was temporarily closed to allow emergency helicopters to transport the injured. Rescue operations continued into the morning as teams searched the charred remains of the nightclub for survivors.
Eyewitnesses describe chaos as flames engulfed the venue
By midday, local officials confirmed that the fire had been fully extinguished, though structural damage made access to parts of the building hazardous. Swiss President Viola Amherd, who hails from the region, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, praising first responders for their swift actions and pledging full federal support for the investigation. “This is a dark day for Switzerland,” she said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.” Crans-Montana, known for its upscale hotels, ski slopes, and winter festivals, attracts thousands of visitors each holiday season. Authorities said many victims were likely foreign nationals, reflecting the resort’s international clientele. The incident marks one of the deadliest fires in Switzerland in recent decades, prompting renewed scrutiny of fire safety standards in public entertainment venues.
Memorial service planned for victims of Crans-Montana fire
Officials said further updates would be released once the identification of victims is complete and the cause of the fire is confirmed. Emergency hotlines have been established for families seeking information about missing relatives. Swiss authorities urged patience as forensic teams work to identify the dead, a process expected to take several days due to the extent of the damage. Grief counselors have been deployed to assist survivors and relatives gathered in nearby hospitals. Local authorities also announced that a memorial service will be held in Crans-Montana once recovery operations conclude, allowing residents and visitors to pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy.
