A tragic fire has claimed multiple lives and left several others injured at a New Year’s celebration in a luxury ski resort in southern Switzerland.
The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday at Crans-Montana — a well-known high-end holiday destination in the canton of Valais.
According to reports, the fire started around 1:30 a.m. inside the Le Constellation lounge bar, where guests had gathered to welcome the New Year.
Confirming the development, Gaetan Lathion, spokesperson for Valais police, said:
“This morning, January 1, 2026, a fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation lounge bar in Crans-Montana. There are several injuries and several fatalities.”
He did not disclose the exact number of victims, noting that investigations remain ongoing and emergency services are still working at the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Authorities said more updates will be released later today during a scheduled joint press briefing involving the police and the canton’s public prosecutor.
Crans-Montana, famous for attracting thousands of visitors each festive season, has been thrown into shock by the heartbreaking incident.