Swiss Resort Fire Victims Transferred Overseas Amid Ongoing Tragedy Investigation

The tragic fire that swept through a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left many critically injured, with victims being treated in specialized burn units as far away as Stuttgart, Milan, and Paris. This incident underscores the devastating impact of the tragedy.

The blaze, which erupted at Le Constellation bar around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday during New Year celebrations, has claimed 40 lives and left 115 others seriously injured. Among the injured is a football player from the French club FC Metz, who is reported to be in critical condition, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.

Swiss authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which they believe was accidental. A photo shared by BFMTV suggests that sparklers inserted into champagne bottles may have ignited a fire in the bar’s ceiling. Eyewitness accounts describe how the flames and thick black smoke spread rapidly throughout the venue.

In an emotional interview with BFMTV, the mother of a 16-year-old who was inside the bar expressed her anguish, stating that even after 30 hours, she still did not know if her son was in a hospital or a morgue.

Authorities in the Valais canton are working diligently to identify the victims, as Crans-Montana is a popular destination for international visitors, particularly from Italy and France. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported that between 12 to 15 Italian citizens were hospitalized due to the fire, while an additional 16 are still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, nine French citizens are receiving treatment for their injuries, with another eight reported missing, according to BFM.

Cantonal police chief Frederic Gisler stated that the first responders arrived at the scene within two minutes of being alerted. The Valais authorities deployed 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances to transport victims to local hospitals and specialized burn centers in Lausanne and Zurich.

During a press conference on Thursday, Swiss officials confirmed that no arrests have been made and emphasized that it is too early to discuss potential criminal charges.

Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais attorney general, noted that investigators have begun retrieving phones and interviewing witnesses. A key focus of the investigation will be to determine whether the venue adhered to proper safety protocols and had adequate emergency exits.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies that our country has ever known.” In response, police have established a helpline for families seeking information: (+41) 848 112 117.

Crans-Montana is renowned for its skiing and hiking opportunities and hosts World Cup ski races. Recently, Vail Resorts Inc., the largest ski-resort operator globally, acquired the ski station as part of its European expansion, although the company does not own the bar.

In a statement, Vail Resorts expressed its condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” and added that they are “ready to support their efforts in any appropriate way.”

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

The tragic fire that swept through a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left many critically injured, with victims being treated in specialized burn units as far away as Stuttgart, Milan, and Paris. This incident underscores the devastating impact of the tragedy.

The blaze, which erupted at Le Constellation bar around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday during New Year celebrations, has claimed 40 lives and left 115 others seriously injured. Among the injured is a football player from the French club FC Metz, who is reported to be in critical condition, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.

Swiss authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which they believe was accidental. A photo shared by BFMTV suggests that sparklers inserted into champagne bottles may have ignited a fire in the bar’s ceiling. Eyewitness accounts describe how the flames and thick black smoke spread rapidly throughout the venue.

In an emotional interview with BFMTV, the mother of a 16-year-old who was inside the bar expressed her anguish, stating that even after 30 hours, she still did not know if her son was in a hospital or a morgue.

Authorities in the Valais canton are working diligently to identify the victims, as Crans-Montana is a popular destination for international visitors, particularly from Italy and France. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported that between 12 to 15 Italian citizens were hospitalized due to the fire, while an additional 16 are still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, nine French citizens are receiving treatment for their injuries, with another eight reported missing, according to BFM.

Cantonal police chief Frederic Gisler stated that the first responders arrived at the scene within two minutes of being alerted. The Valais authorities deployed 13 helicopters and 42 ambulances to transport victims to local hospitals and specialized burn centers in Lausanne and Zurich.

During a press conference on Thursday, Swiss officials confirmed that no arrests have been made and emphasized that it is too early to discuss potential criminal charges.

Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais attorney general, noted that investigators have begun retrieving phones and interviewing witnesses. A key focus of the investigation will be to determine whether the venue adhered to proper safety protocols and had adequate emergency exits.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies that our country has ever known.” In response, police have established a helpline for families seeking information: (+41) 848 112 117.

Crans-Montana is renowned for its skiing and hiking opportunities and hosts World Cup ski races. Recently, Vail Resorts Inc., the largest ski-resort operator globally, acquired the ski station as part of its European expansion, although the company does not own the bar.

In a statement, Vail Resorts expressed its condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” and added that they are “ready to support their efforts in any appropriate way.”

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.