‘It was all joy, then panic’: Witnesses describe horror of Swiss New Year bar fire
World
M
Moneycontrol02-01-2026, 06:57

Swiss Bar Fire Horror: 40 Dead, 100+ Injured in New Year's Blaze

  • A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed at least 40 and injured over 100 during New Year celebrations.
  • Eyewitnesses described "total chaos," thick smoke, blocked exits, and panic as joy turned to screams.
  • The blaze, possibly started by a candle or fireworks, rapidly engulfed the packed basement venue, leading to a deadly rush.
  • Emergency responders set up triage centers; foreign nationals from France and Italy were among the victims.
  • Swiss President Guy Parmelin declared five days of national mourning; the tragedy is under investigation but not considered an attack.

Why It Matters: New Year's joy turned to tragedy in Crans-Montana as a bar fire claimed 40 lives and injured over 100.

More like this

Loading more articles...