Witnesses describe chaos and fear as deadly fire swept through Alpine bar
Witnesses have described scenes of panic and confusion. A fast-moving fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations. This occurred in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana. Dozens are feared dead, and more than 100 people were injured.
The blaze broke out in the early hours at the Le Constellation bar. It is a popular venue among young people. They were celebrating the arrival of the new year. Survivors say the fire spread with alarming speed, trapping people inside within seconds.
Two French nationals, Emma and Albane, who were inside the bar at the time, said the ceiling suddenly caught fire. It quickly became engulfed in flames. “In a matter of seconds, everything above us was burning,” they said. They added that escaping was extremely difficult. The narrow exits and the density of the crowd made it challenging. They believe a birthday candle held too close to the ceiling have played a role in igniting the fire.
An Italian man, speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai News, said bodyguards went downstairs to assess the situation after being alerted to the fire, but quickly retreated when they saw the flames. He said one of his friends suffered severe burns, another was airlifted to hospital in Zurich, and a third remained unaccounted for hours after the incident. “We haven’t slept or eaten,” he said. “We’re still waiting for news.”
Nearby hotel guest Oleh Paska said he and his family initially mistook loud noises for fireworks or celebrations. “We thought it was normal for New Year’s Eve,” he said. Then they heard sirens everywhere. They realized something terrible had happened.”
At Sion Hospital, witnesses described chaotic scenes as injured people began arriving at emergency departments, many suffering serious burns and smoke inhalation.
Fire spread rapidly
Swiss authorities say early findings do not point to an attack. Instead, investigators think the blaze developed into a “flashover” fire. This is a phenomenon where heat builds so quickly that all combustible materials ignite almost simultaneously.
Specialist forensic teams from Zurich have been deployed to determine how the fire started and why it spread so rapidly.
Le Constellation bar is known to attract young crowds aged between 16 and 25. Many of these young people gathered to celebrate the start of 2026.
Hospitals under pressure
More than 100 injured people were transported to hospitals across Switzerland. Lausanne University Hospital confirmed it is treating 22 patients with burn injuries, some in intensive care. A spokesperson said the youngest patient is believed to be 16 years old.
University Hospital Zurich is treating a further 12 patients. Both hospitals host Switzerland’s specialist burns units.
Hospital director Claire Charmet said most of the most severely injured patients are aged between 16 and 26. She warned that recovery for many will be long and intensive. It can last weeks or even months. Authorities have urged the public not to overwhelm emergency services as burn units are operating at capacity.
National and international reaction
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said what should have been “a moment of joy” had turned into a tragedy. This tragedy has shaken the country. It has also drawn international concern.
Italy and France, both neighbouring regions to Valais, have offered assistance. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, France’s President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Switzerland.
Emergency services are continuing their work at the scene. A hearse was seen parked outside the cordoned-off bar. This underscores the scale of the tragedy.
For many in Crans-Montana, a night meant for celebration has instead become a moment of national mourning. Investigators now face urgent questions about safety and accountability. They must also determine how such a disaster unfold so quickly.
