A deadly tragedy shocked Crans-Montana in Switzerland when an explosion followed by fire at the Le Constellation bar claimed the lives of at least ten people, while ten others were seriously injured. The incident occurred at the renowned Swiss ski resort during New Year’s celebrations, with British network Sky News reporting the news citing local police.
Authorities immediately clarified that the incident does not appear to be connected to terrorist activity. So far, the causes of the deadly explosion remain unknown, however Swiss news outlet Blick estimates that the fire may have been caused by fireworks during a concert.
Crans-Montana explosion: Estimates of higher death toll
Police from the Valais canton confirmed in their official statement the existence of multiple victims from the fire that erupted after the explosion at the popular establishment. However, local media outlets estimate that the tragic toll could be much higher. An anonymous source from radio station RhoneFM mentioned forty victims, a number that has not been officially confirmed.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 2:30 a.m. Greek time, at Le Constellation where tourists had gathered to celebrate the New Year. Authorities proceeded with a complete area lockdown, while a no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana for safety reasons and to facilitate rescue operations.
One hundred people trapped in burning building
According to Swiss news outlet Blick, citing police sources, more than one hundred people were inside the bar at the time of the explosion. The establishment has a capacity of three hundred people, making the tragedy even more shocking as it could have had worse consequences.
Images broadcast by Swiss media outlets show the burning building and rescue teams operating under difficult conditions. Crans-Montana, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps about two hours from Bern, is one of the country’s most luxurious ski resorts.
🇨🇭⚡ Several people were ki!!ed and others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police say.
A cantonal police spokesperson told AFP that the blast was of unknown origin while confirming multiple fatalities. pic.twitter.com/GGbEOvvKrk
— Osint World (@OsiOsint1) January 1, 2026
The historic bar with youthful character
Le Constellation was not just any establishment on the Crans-Montana map. As reported by the BBC, this particular bar had been a reference point for the local community for four decades, operating for at least the last forty years and enjoying wide recognition.
Unlike the generally luxurious profile of the ski resort known for high-income visitors, this particular establishment stood out as a more accessible and youthful hangout. The venue’s architecture included an upper floor with screens for watching football matches, while the basement housed a large unified space with a bar where customers used to drink and dance.
🚨🇨🇭#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Multiple people have been killed and others injured after a large explosion and fire ripped through a bar at the luxury alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana.Swiss Police Department says they are looking into the blast and how it happened. Possible… pic.twitter.com/u373VRdvyv
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) January 1, 2026
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Safety concerns about the venue
The establishment catered mainly to younger crowds and attracted both locals and visitors from surrounding valleys, creating a multinational mix of patrons, especially on nights like New Year’s Eve. However, a former regular of Le Constellation revealed to Swiss outlet Blick that the basement had only one emergency exit.
According to the same testimony, there are indications that regulations regarding the permitted number of people who could be in the space simultaneously may not have been strictly followed. This element is expected to be a central focus of the investigation being conducted by authorities into the causes and circumstances that led to the Crans-Montana tragedy.
Blast IN Switzerland
A Massive Blast has been reported in a crowded bar killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more in the NEW YEAR celebration in Crans-Montana .
Emergency and No Fly zone has been Declared in the Area pic.twitter.com/yDuqZq5N5c
— PRAKHAR SINGH (@prakharsingh551) January 1, 2026
BREAKING: Explosion of unknown origin reported at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, around 1:30 a.m.
Fire broke out in the basement of the venue, which can host up to 400 people.
Cause under investigation. Suspected terror link not ruled out. pic.twitter.com/SlA5MdP6Qo— TRIDENT (@TridentxIN) January 1, 2026
