A festive New Year’s Eve celebration at a posh bar in a Swiss ski town turned into a national emergency early Wednesday morning, when an explosion and fire suddenly engulfed “Le Constellation,” a popular après-ski spot in Crans-Montana, southwestern Switzerland. Authorities said the disaster killed about 40 people and injured 100, many of whom required intensive medical care.
Regional emergency units received the first alert at 1:30 a.m. local time, shortly after flames broke out inside the bar. Officials believe the blast was not intentional, treating it as an accidental fire-related explosion while a full investigation is now underway.
“This is currently being reviewed as a fire incident, not an act of aggression,” prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said during a press briefing on Thursday. She confirmed that forensic teams and national investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Foreign Nationals Among Victims
Security officials from Valais canton stated that several victims were international visitors, reflecting Crans-Montana’s status as a global winter destination. Cantonal police have launched a public helpline for families and loved ones seeking information.
“We are all deeply affected,” said Frédéric Gisler, the region’s police chief, noting the high number of critically injured patients transferred to hospitals across Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, Zurich, and other major Swiss medical centers.
Italian authorities also confirmed they are coordinating with Swiss police after initial reports indicated roughly 40 deaths, though local prosecutors declined to give a revised public tally while victim identification continues.
Emergency Response on a Massive Scale
Authorities deployed:
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10 helicopters
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40 ambulances
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Emergency rescue teams and forensics units
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A temporary airspace closure, including a no-fly restriction over the resort
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10 rescue helicopters and 40 ambulances, according to Swiss officials
Western allies and European security officials have monitored the situation, offering support and coordination where needed.
Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin issued a national statement on social media expressing condolences, saying the event has shaken the country.
“What was meant to be a night of celebration became a moment of grief felt across the nation,” Parmelin said.
Possible Causes: Fireworks and Firecrackers
Several officials suggested the explosion may have been linked to celebratory fireworks or firecrackers used during the New Year countdown.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian media that initial findings may point to an accident triggered by a firework-related ignition, echoing unverified early assessments.
“This looks like an accident sparked by a firework or firecracker during celebrations,” Tajani said on Italian television.
Swiss forensic teams are currently prioritizing victim identification, aiming to reunite families with confirmed information and, when possible, remains for proper burial and repatriation.
“Forensics teams have received full support to ensure identification can happen swiftly,” Pilloud said, adding that resources are being dedicated to DNA, forensic imaging, and structural investigation inside the closed-off blast perimeter.
Community and Political Reaction
Local officials emphasized that the situation has left leaders and communities shaken, but they reaffirmed that regional stability is not considered under threat, and the blast is not believed to be politically motivated.
Opposition leaders and several European officials earlier voiced skepticism toward militarized narratives tied to global conflict zones, but Swiss leaders have maintained a unified tone that this remains a civil emergency, not a political event.