Explosion rips through Le Constellation Bar during celebrations; massive rescue operation underway as cause remains unknown.
January 1, 2025: A night of celebration turned into a nightmare in the luxury Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana as a massive explosion at a popular bar left multiple people dead and several others injured in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Chaos at 1:30 AM: Fire Engulfs ‘Le Constellation’
The explosion occurred at approximately 1:30 am local time at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, a high-end venue packed with tourists and locals ringing in the New Year. Witnesses described a scene of sudden terror as a loud blast was immediately followed by a fierce fire that engulfed the building.
Footage circulating on social media showed massive flames billowing into the night sky while panicked revellers rushed out of the smoke-filled establishment. More than a hundred people were reportedly inside the venue when the disaster struck.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Swiss police and fire department officials from the Wallis canton arrived on the scene within minutes. “There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” stated police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion. “There are several injured, and several dead.”
While the exact number of fatalities has not yet been officially confirmed, authorities have described the casualties as “multiple.” Emergency teams are currently working to secure the site and determine the extent of the collateral damage. A reception center and a dedicated helpline have been established for the families of the victims.
Investigation Launched: Firecrackers or Technical Failure?
The cause of the blast remains under investigation. While local media outlets, including Blick, have suggested that firecrackers used during a concert inside the bar might have triggered the blaze, the police have not confirmed these claims.
“We are at the very beginning of the investigation,” Lathion added, noting the complexity of the site given the intensity of the fire.
Impact on Resort Season
Crans-Montana, situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is one of the world’s most renowned ski destinations. The tragedy comes at the peak of the winter holiday season, just weeks before the resort is scheduled to host a major international speed skiing event in late January.