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New Year's Tragedy: Dozens Feared Dead in Swiss Ski Resort Explosion and Fire

An explosion and violent fire ripped through the 'Le Constellation' bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, causing a major tragedy. Authorities fear dozens are dead and report over 100 people were seriously injured, overwhelming local hospitals. The Valais canton has declared a special emergency situation to mobilize all necessary resources, while an investigation into the cause is underway, with authorities ruling out an attack. Swiss President Guy Parmelin postponed his New Year's address to express condolences to the victims and their families.

Key Points: Swiss Ski Resort Explosion: Dozens Dead, Over 100 Injured

  • Dozens feared dead
  • Over 100 seriously injured
  • Special emergency situation declared
  • Cause under investigation, attack ruled out
  • President postpones New Year's address
2 min read

Dozens feared dead, over 100 injured after explosion in Swiss ski resort (Ld)

A devastating explosion and fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve has left dozens feared dead and over 100 seriously injured.

"The Council of State expresses its deepest solidarity following this tragedy. - Valais Cantonal Administration"

Geneva, Jan 1

An explosion followed by a violent fire ravaged the 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland on New Year's Eve, causing numerous deaths and injuries, the local authorities said on Thursday.

Reports cited that several dozen people are feared dead and around 100 injured due to the explosion and fire. Those injured in the blast and subsequent fire suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in Sion, capital of Valais canton, as well as in other cities, Valais Canton Police Chief Frederic Gisler said at a press conference.

The Valais cantonal administration announced that following the tragedy, and in order to react as quickly as possible and mobilise emergency resources without delay, the State Council has declared a special situation, entering emergency.

Large police, fire and rescue forces immediately went to the scene to provide assistance to the numerous victims.

"In order to be able to quickly deploy all the necessary resources over several days and to take all the necessary measures to manage the consequences of this tragic event, the Council of State has decided to declare a special situation from 9:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The operation is still underway. The public is ordered to strictly follow the instructions of the authorities and not to enter the affected area. A helpline is available for families. The Council of State expresses its deepest solidarity following this tragedy. It extends its thoughts to the victims, their families, and all those affected," read a statement issued by the local administration.

Meanwhile, Xinhua news agency reported that at an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, but authorities have ruled out an attack. Helicopters and ambulances, including some from abroad, rushed to the scene, as the intensive care units and operating rooms of local hospitals are at full capacity, said local officials at the press conference.

President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin postponed his planned New Year's address and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Terrible news. Reminds me of the importance of strict fire safety regulations, especially in crowded places like bars and resorts. Authorities must investigate thoroughly—gas leak, electrical fault? Hope lessons are learned globally. Our own cities in India need to be extra vigilant.
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David E
Saw this on the news. The scale is devastating. Good that they've ruled out an attack, but the cause needs to be found quickly. The emergency response, with helicopters from abroad, seems well-coordinated. A grim start to 2026.
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Anjali F
So many families' new year ruined forever. It's good the Swiss govt declared a special situation quickly to mobilize resources. I just hope the investigation is transparent. Sometimes in tragedies, the initial "ruled out attack" narrative changes later. Just saying.
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Vikram M
Horrific. Ski resorts are supposed to be happy places. My cousin was in Switzerland last month. Makes you think how fragile life is. The mention of hospitals at full capacity shows the severity. Deepest condolences from India.
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Sarah B
A respectful criticism: While the emergency response is commendable, articles should be clearer on the source of the "dozens feared dead" number. Is it official or from early reports? Accuracy is crucial for families anxiously waiting for news.

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