As partygoers celebrated the arrival of the new year, a “fire of unknown origin” ignited in a bar frequented by tourists, police in the Wallis canton of southwestern Switzerland stated in a press release.
“Several individuals have died, and others have been injured,” the statement noted, characterizing the incident as “serious” and confirming that “a significant emergency response is underway”.
“A large team of police, firefighters, and rescue personnel quickly arrived at the location to assist the numerous victims,” it continued.
“The operation is ongoing.”
Swiss daily Blick reported a doctor at the scene indicating that the death toll could reach “dozens”.
Regional publication Le Nouvelliste also reported that sources were mentioning “a heavy toll”, estimating “around 40 dead and 100 injured”.
Photographs from Swiss media displayed a building engulfed in flames, with individuals screaming and fleeing in the darkness.
Swiss outlets speculated that the fire could have been triggered by pyrotechnics used during a concert, though police stated the cause remains unknown.
Police spokesman Gaetan Lathion informed AFP that there was initially an “explosion of undetermined origin”.
This explosion occurred at approximately 1:30 am (0030 GMT) in a bar named Le Constellation, where over 100 people had gathered for New Year’s festivities.
Several hours post-explosion, an AFP photographer observed multiple ambulances on the route from Crans Montana.
Authorities reported that the area was “completely closed to the public” and announced “a no-fly zone over Crans Montana has been established”.
First Published: Jan 1, 2026 12:10 PM IST
