Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Tragedy in the Alps: Deadly Fire at Swiss Ski Resort

Crans-Montana, Switzerland — A devastating fire tore through a crowded bar at a luxury ski resort in the Swiss Alps in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2026, killing dozens and injuring many more, authorities have confirmed.  

The blaze erupted at about 1:30 a.m. local time (00:30 GMT) in Le Constellation, a popular bar in Crans-Montana — a glamorous Alpine resort known for skiing, nightlife and international visitors. At the time, more than 100 people were inside celebrating the arrival of 2026.  

Casualties and Emergency Response

• Deaths: Officials have said several dozen people are presumed dead, though precise figures haven’t been finalized.  

• Injuries: Around 100 people have been injured, many seriously with severe burns, according to local reports.  

• Victims: Some of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals, reflecting the resort’s international appeal.  

Emergency services dispatched a significant response, including helicopters, ambulances, police, firefighters and rescue crews. Hospitals in the French-speaking region of Valais are reported to be overwhelmed, with intensive care units filled and patients being moved to other facilities.  

A reception center and helpline has been established to assist relatives trying to locate loved ones.  

What Happened? Explosion or Fire

Early media reports described an explosion inside the bar that triggered the fire, but Swiss authorities are currently treating the incident primarily as a fire of undetermined origin.  

Police have not ruled out possible causes, and speculation — including pyrotechnics or fireworks — has surfaced in local media, but nothing has been confirmed.  

Safety Measures and Investigation

Swiss police have:

• Cordoned off the area around the bar.  

• Declared a no-fly zone over the resort to aid rescue operations.  

• Indicated there is no evidence of terrorism or targeted attack.  

An official investigation is underway, and authorities are working to identify victims and notify families.  

Community and International Impact

Crans-Montana, situated about 40 km north of the Matterhorn, is a major Alpine tourism hub attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, ski industry, and international travel sector, overshadowing what should have been festive New Year celebrations.  

Officials, including the president of the canton of Valais, expressed profound sorrow and urged caution as rescue and recovery efforts continue.  

What’s Next

With the investigation ongoing and casualty figures still emerging, authorities are expected to provide updated information later today. Families of victims are being supported through hotlines, and additional medical resources are being mobilised across Switzerland.

Attached is a News article regarding Switzerland ski resort fire 

https://news.sky.com/story/what-we-know-about-deadly-new-years-fire-at-swiss-ski-resort-13489204

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley