What was supposed to be a glittering New Year’s celebration in the Swiss Alps turned into a nightmare.
Partygoers welcomed 2026 in the early hours of Thursday.
A deadly fire ripped through Le Constellation, a popular bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana.
So what went wrong? Police say the blaze broke out around 1:30am, when more than 100 people were inside.
Witnesses described chaos as flames spread rapidly.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion told AFP.
Later, officials suggested a phenomenon known as an embrasement généralisé.
When trapped gases ignite suddenly, causing what firefighters call a flashover.
Casualties And Response
The human toll is staggering. Around 40 people are confirmed dead, with at least 115 injured, many suffering severe burns.
Hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland were quickly overwhelmed.
“Most of the injured are in serious condition,” said regional councillor Mathias Renard.
Patients have even been transferred to Zurich and Milan as burn units fill up.
Emergency crews responded in force — 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 responders.
Authorities have ruled out arson or sabotage for now. “This is a fire, not an attack,” stressed prosecutor-general Beatrice Pilloud.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin summed up the national mood: “A moment of joy turned into mourning.”
A sobering reminder that even the brightest celebrations can turn dark in an instant.
