CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND – A night of celebration turned into a horrific tragedy after a powerful explosion and fire destroyed the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the popular Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana. The blast occurred at approximately 1:30 AM on January 1, 2026, as hundreds of tourists gathered to welcome the New Year.
Casualties and Emergency Response
While Swiss authorities are still finalizing the official death toll, police in the Canton of Valais have confirmed that at least 10 people have been killed. Dozens more are injured, with several victims reported to be in critical condition.
The venue, located in the heart of the luxury ski resort, was heavily crowded with international visitors at the time of the blast. Emergency response teams, including Air-Glaciers helicopters and local fire brigades, worked through the night to evacuate survivors and secure the site.
Investigation: Cause of the Swiss Resort Blast
The Swiss Police Department has launched a high-level forensic probe. While the area remains cordoned off, investigators are currently looking into several possibilities:
- Technical Failure: Initial reports suggest a potential deflagration in the building’s basement.
- Pyrotechnics: Authorities are investigating if New Year’s Eve fireworks or indoor pyrotechnics triggered the disaster.
- Security Review: While terror has not been officially ruled out, early statements from the Swiss police suggest the incident is not currently being treated as a targeted attack.
“The resort was a vibrant celebration one moment; the next, the impact of the explosion left the community in fragmented pieces,” stated a local witness.
