Deadly New Year fire at Swiss ski resort kills at least 40

KATHMANDU: At least 40 people were killed and 115 others injured after a devastating fire broke out during New Year celebrations at a popular ski resort in southern Switzerland.

The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a major tourist hub packed with young revelers and foreign visitors welcoming the arrival of 2026.

Panic ensued as flames spread rapidly inside the crowded venue, triggering a deadly stampede.

Authorities in the canton of Valais immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation.

Thirteen helicopters, 42 ambulances, and more than 150 emergency responders—including firefighters and medical teams—were deployed.

According to regional governor Matthias Reynard, 60 injured victims were taken to Sion Hospital, while those with severe burns were airlifted to specialized burns units in Lausanne and Zurich. Several victims remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

Fire experts said the blaze spread at extreme speed due to a flashover inside the bar, with superheated gases and toxic smoke engulfing the entire room within seconds.

Doctors reported that many victims suffered severe smoke inhalation, leaving their condition particularly grave.

Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud confirmed that a full investigation is underway and ruled out terrorism.

Preliminary findings suggest that narrow stairways hindered evacuation and that flares used during the celebration may have triggered the fire.

International Mourning and Support

Foreign nationals were among the victims. Italy reported that 16 of its citizens are missing, with several hospitalized, while France confirmed eight of its nationals remain unaccounted for.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as one of the “worst tragedies in the nation’s history.” Condolences and offers of assistance poured in from across Europe, including Britain’s King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Authorities said identifying the victims and completing legal procedures could take several weeks.