Devastating Fire at Swiss Ski Resort Claims Lives and Injures Hundreds

Fire at Crans-Montana Ski Resort

Dozens of individuals are reported missing, and over 100 have been injured following a fire that broke out in a bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort, located in southern Switzerland. Authorities announced that the fire started early on New Year’s Day at approximately 1:30 AM and involved multiple nationalities.

The chief prosecutor of the region stated that the fire is believed to be an accident, and there is no evidence of an attack. An emergency hotline has been established for concerned families: +41 848 112 117.

How Many People Have Died?

During a press conference, officials confirmed that "several dozen" people are presumed dead, but it is too early to provide an exact number. Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited Swiss police, estimating that around 40 individuals may have perished. Nearly 100 people have sustained injuries, particularly severe burns, with most being transported to a hospital in Valais, where intensive care units are now at capacity.

What Caused the Fire?

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud emphasized that the incident is being treated as a fire, without any evidence suggesting it was an attack. Initially, police mentioned an explosion but later corrected their statement, confirming it was a fire. Preliminary reports indicated that smoke was observed at the Le Constellation bar at 1:30 AM, and emergency teams were called immediately.

Information about the Le Constellation Bar

The Le Constellation bar is a large establishment located in the Crans-Montana resort, operating for many years. Although the resort is quite exclusive, the bar itself was not particularly sophisticated. It reportedly has a capacity of around 300 people and was a popular spot for festivities during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, being packed with Swiss patrons and tourists alike.