Tragedy in Crans-Montana VS All 116 injured identified - 83 are still in hospital

A catastrophe occurs in Crans-Montana VS on New Year's Eve. Hundreds of people are injured in a fire in a bar, dozens lose their lives.

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14:03

Paris tightens controls in nightclubs

Following the fire in Crans-Montana, the Paris police prefect announces stricter controls in nightclubs. In a letter to catering and club industry associations, the Prefecture of Police of Paris stated that checks would soon be carried out to ensure compliance with safety regulations in establishments open to the public - particularly nightclubs.

"I would like to remind you of the obligations to which your members are subject," reads the letter, which is available to AFP. The prefect is taking the drama in Switzerland as an opportunity to remind operators in particular to comply with the maximum number of visitors, to keep exits clear, to ban candles and open flames and to ensure that safety equipment is in perfect working order.

14:01

Ale 116 injured identified

Following the fire on New Year's Eve in Crans-Montana, all 116 injured have now been identified. This was announced by the Valais cantonal police. The identification work was carried out jointly with the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and the Institute of Forensic Medicine and concerned all persons injured in the fire at the Le Constellation bar on January 1, 2026.

Of the 116 people identified, 83 are still hospitalized. The injured include nationals from several countries, including Switzerland, France, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Australia, Bosnia, the Republic of Congo and Luxembourg. There are also four people with dual nationality.

Originally, 119 people were said to have been injured. Three people who were treated in the emergency room that night were initially wrongly attributed to the incident, according to the Valais cantonal police.

11.39 a.m.

Macron travels to Switzerland on Friday

French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the memorial event for the victims of the fire disaster in Crans-Montana on Friday. He will travel to Switzerland for the event, the French government announced in Paris on Monday.

10.50 a.m.

Fire department commander: "It was like being at war"

The commander of the Crans-Montana fire department, David Vocat, has defended the operation on New Year's Eve. He told BFMTV that his men had done "the maximum". Unlike in France, the fire department in Switzerland is made up entirely of volunteers.

"I don't know if I can carry on"Commander speaks for the first time about horror night after bar fire

Everything was calm until shortly after 1.30 am. "Everything was fine until 1.30 a.m., I thought: finally a quiet New Year's Eve," said Vocat. One minute later, the alarm went off: "1.31 a.m.: red alert - major fire, explosion and fire in the Le Constellation bar." The operation was "extremely complicated".

Vocat expressly thanked the young people on site who had helped others to leave the bar. "They helped us. It was like a war and we did what we could," said the fire chief.

9.26am

First town draws consequences for clubs after bar inferno

After the fire in Crans-Montana, the city of Lausanne is reacting. Around 600 businesses have been asked to review their safety and fire protection concepts.

Hundreds of checksFirst city draws consequences for clubs after bar inferno

07.48 am

Adelboden and Lauterbrunnen review the safety of catering establishments

In view of the upcoming Ski World Cup races in Adelboden and Wengen, the Bernese Oberland municipalities of Adelboden and Lauterbrunnen want to review the safety of their catering establishments following the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS.

The ski fans are already coming to Adelboden next weekend. Municipal council president Willy Schranz told Swiss Radio SRF on Monday that with the tragedy in Crans-Montana in mind, the municipality is facing challenges and will use the next few days to review the locations in the village.

"We are making sure that everything is in order so that something like this doesn't happen," said Schranz. The municipality's task is to avoid mistakes, raise awareness among bar operators and talk to them about whether they have done everything they can to ensure the safety of their guests.

Karl Näpflin, president of the Lauterbrunnen municipal council, which includes the World Cup venue Wengen, wants to discuss what needs to be done in the municipal council on Monday. Näpflin told Radio SRF that the municipality will keep an eye on the restaurants and nightclubs and will at least ask them to check their own operations again to make sure that everything is really safe.

For example, bar operators should check: "Are flammable materials present? Are the checkrooms equipped accordingly?" And the most important thing is that escape routes are well signposted and clear. Lauterbrunnen's municipal council president also warned against handling fire and candles.

According to SRF, Näpflin was asked by several parties to close the two local nightclubs due to safety concerns. The municipality is not allowed to do this, but it will take a closer look, Näpflin said.

Monday, January 5, 2026, 5.10 a.m.

Daniel Jositsch criticizes early criminal investigation against bar operator

According to the CH Media newspapers, Zurich criminal law professor and SP member of the Council of States Daniel Jositsch has described the actions of the Valais judiciary following the fire in Crans-Montana as being in line with criminal law. He has little understanding for the criticism of the lack of pre-trial detention and the fact that the two French bar operators were not banned from leaving the country. "The fire in Crans-Montana is a human tragedy. But from a criminal law perspective, the allegations in question are only moderate offenses," Jositsch was quoted as saying.

20.44

All fatalities have been identified

The identification work carried out by the Valais cantonal police, the DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) and the Institute of Forensic Medicine has led to the identification of 16 more victims of the fire at the Le Constellation bar on January 1, 2026. This means that all 40 people who died in the New Year fire have now been identified. This was announced by the Valais authorities on Sunday evening. The families have been informed.

They are two Swiss women aged 15, a Swiss woman aged 22, a Swiss-French dual national aged 24, an Italian woman aged 16, an Italian woman aged 15, an Italian man aged 16, a Portuguese woman aged 22 and a Belgian woman aged 17.

Also among those identified were a French woman aged 33, a French woman aged 26, a Frenchman aged 23, a Frenchman aged 20, a Frenchman aged 17, a Frenchman aged 14 and a 15-year-old triple national (France / Israel / United Kingdom), according to a statement from the public prosecutor's office.

5.21 p.m.

Identification of the victims of Crans-Montana is progressing

Following the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, 16 more victims were identified on Sunday. This means that a good half of those who died on New Year's Eve now have a name. The youngest fire victim was 14 years old.

Those identified include four Swiss women, six Swiss nationals, two Italians and one Italian-Emirati, one Romanian, one French and one Turkish national. This was announced by the Valais cantonal police on Sunday. The victims were between 14 and 39 years old, many of them were minors.

The bodies were handed over to the families, it was reported. In addition to the cantonal police, the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) are involved in the identification work.

16.56 hrs

Temu advertises foam boards - criticism

Chinese online retailer Temu has been advertising "high-density flame-retardant acoustic foam panels" on social media over the past few hours. Numerous users have criticized the campaign as disrespectful: just a few days earlier, there was a fire disaster in Crans-Montana in which acoustic foam panels presumably caught fire and around 40 people lost their lives.

One user wrote on the X platform that the procedure was "bottom drawer". Temu is trying to profit from the tragedy and is now advertising flame-retardant acoustic panels.

The company has not yet issued a statement. Temu, originally founded in China, is known for its sometimes aggressive, data-based online advertising. It is unclear whether the ads are checked manually before publication or whether they are displayed automatically.

4.09 p.m.

35 patients already transferred to clinics abroad

Since Friday, one day after the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS, 35 patients have been transferred from hospitals in Switzerland to specialized clinics in Belgium, Germany, France and Italy by the European Union's civil protection mechanism.

The transfers involved both foreign nationals and Swiss patients being taken abroad. For those from Switzerland, hospital places were prioritized as close to their country as possible. Language and family connections in the destination country were also important. The transfers were carried out with the consent of the relatives.

Ambulance planes and helicopters with specialists from Italy, France, Romania and Luxembourg as well as Rega Air Rescue were used to transport the patients.

3.47 p.m.

Silent funeral march and a sea of flowers and candles

Following a funeral service on Sunday, more than a thousand people paid tribute to the victims of the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS with a silent memorial march. Countless flowers and condolence cards with words of comfort were laid at the site of the tragedy.

The Bishop of Sion, Jean-Marie Lovey, presided over a mass in the Saint-Christophe chapel, a few hundred meters from the bar where the tragedy occurred on New Year's Eve, killing 40 people and injuring 119. The memorial service, which was attended by more than 300 people in the church and around 200 others in the surrounding area, was broadcast live on television.

"It is unbearable for so many families to remain in the darkness of suffering and death," said Bishop Lovey. "The question of the light that attracts and illuminates is of crucial importance," Lovey addressed words of compassion and hope for light to all those affected by the tragedy in Crans-Montana.

Countless flowers, letters of condolence, cuddly toys and candles were laid directly in front of the scene of the accident. A book of condolences was laid out, in which many people were still writing words of comfort for those affected.

The silence was interrupted by spontaneous applause for the emergency services who had mingled with the mourners. The memorial march, which took place in the sunshine but icy cold, was accompanied by the song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. "Ave Maria" was also sung. At the edge of the mourning crowd, three weeping young people were embraced by an unknown woman with the words: "I don't know you, but take courage."

14:59

Xi Jinping expresses his condolences for Crans-Montana

On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to President Guy Parmelin regarding the fire on New Year's Day in Crans-Montana VS. He also expressed his solidarity with Switzerland, as reported by the state news agency and later by the television station CCTV.

In his message, Xi Jinping stated that he had learned of the tragedy "with deep dismay" and, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed his "deepest condolences to the victims" and "sincere sympathy to the families of the deceased".

The Chinese President also commemorated the injured, wished them "a speedy recovery" and expressed his solidarity with Switzerland at this time of mourning for the heavy human losses caused by the fire.

«On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the victims.»

Xi Jinping

President of China

1.40 pm

"Were not allowed to open the emergency exit"

A former employee of the bar "Le Constellation" is making serious accusations. Sarah told the French TV station BFMTV that "the emergency exit door was closed". What's more: "We were forbidden to open it."

The Valais authorities have opened a criminal investigation against the two French operators of the bar. The allegations of blocked escape routes are part of the ongoing investigation.

12.03 p.m.

Valais hospital director talks about conditions after fire inferno

After the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, eleven young patients are still being treated in the Valais hospital. Hospital director Eric Bonvin speaks of the great emotional strain - for those affected as well as for the medical staff.

"We are constantly on the verge of tears"Valais hospital director talks about conditions after fire inferno

9.45 a.m.

16 more dead identified

Following the fire on New Year's Eve, 16 further fatalities have been identified and handed over to their families. This brings the total number of deceased to 24, according to the Valais cantonal police.

The victims include Swiss nationals aged between 14 and 31, two 16-year-old Italians, an Italian-Emirati national (16), a Romanian (18), a Frenchman (39) and a Turk (18). Identification work is continuing.

8.40 a.m.

Arthur (16) is dead - Benjamin (18) also died in bar inferno

Laetitia Brodard-Sitre searched for her son for hours. Now there is sad certainty: 16-year-old Arthur died in the fire disaster in Crans-Montana. The 18-year-old boxer Benjamin Johnson is also among the victims.

Certainty after a long searchArthur (16) is dead - Benjamin (18) also died in the bar inferno

8.19 a.m.

Three more underage victims identified

Three victims from Italy have been identified. Rai News reports that the victims are a 16-year-old from Bologna, a 17-year-old from Genoa and a 16-year-old from Milan. All three victims were minors.

8.03 a.m.

Council of States causes outrage with statement on bar inferno

With a Facebook post on the fire drama in Crans-Montana and the war in Gaza, Councillor of States Mauro Poggia has provoked sharp criticism. Former Geneva FDP politician Lionel Halpérin is particularly vocal in his disagreement.

"Ice-cold cynicism"Council of States causes outrage with statement on bar inferno

7.30 a.m.

New photos raise even more questions

New pictures from inside the "Le Constellation" bar could be relevant to the investigation following the fire in Crans-Montana. The images suggest that flammable insulation material was not only installed in the ceiling, but also in the walls.

Investigations continueNew photo raises even more questions about the construction of the Inferno Bar

7.25 a.m.

Confederation plans national day of mourning

The victims of the devastating fire disaster in Crans-Montana will be remembered on Friday. The President of the Swiss Confederation has also announced a national day of mourning with a minute's silence.

Read more here:

With a nationwide minute's silenceConfederation plans national day of mourning for victims of bar inferno

Sunday, January 4, 6:48 a.m.

Now the mayor is defending himself against the accusations

After the fire inferno in Crans-Montana, the question of controls is also coming into focus. The mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud, told RTS on Saturday that there had been no laxity in the bar's compliance checks. All documents and inspection reports had been handed over to the Valais Attorney General. "The judiciary will decide, and we will each take responsibility in our own place," said the FDP politician.

Crans-Montana restaurateur comes clean"The municipality said there would be no penalties"

At the same time, Féraud conceded that the existing control system needed to be reviewed and adapted. "It is obvious that a disaster like this calls many things into question, including our regulations for controlling all public companies," he said. He could not name any specific measures at this point in time.

23.17 hrs

Highly flammable foam is also said to have been used in walls

The horror after the fire disaster in Crans-Montana continues to run deep - speculation continues about the rapid spread of the fire. The acoustic insulation on the ceiling could have been a decisive factor in the fire inferno. Pictures from the night of the accident show people holding up bottles of burning sparklers. These were so close to the ceiling that the material ignited.

As reported byBlick, the highly flammable insulating foam was not only installed on the ceiling, but also in the walls. Immediately after the accident, the social media accounts of "Le Constellation" disappeared from the internet. However, another, undeleted Facebook page shows that the sound insulation was also fitted to the walls.

The photos were taken on October 16, 2025 and show that the soundproofing material was applied to the entire wall during renovation work. It reaches up to the ceiling in places. This was then covered with wooden cladding. The insulating material in the walls could have further contributed to the inferno.

21.21 hrs

Crans-Montana acts as civil plaintiff after fire disaster

The Valais municipality of Crans-Montana is appearing as a civil plaintiff in the criminal investigation following the fire in the "Le Constellation" bar, in which 40 people died and 119 were injured on New Year's Eve. The municipal council decided this unanimously at its meeting on Saturday afternoon.

The municipality of Crans-Montana has handed over all the documents available to it in this matter to the public prosecutor's office of the canton of Valais, as it announced on Saturday evening.

The search has covered almost 60 years of municipal archives, it added. With this step and its full cooperation with the judiciary, the municipality wants to make its contribution to the complete clarification of the events and hopes that the circumstances of the tragedy can soon be clarified.

20.23

Four more victims identified

Following the fire that broke out in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, four new victims have been identified, according to the Valais cantonal police. The bodies have been handed over to the families.

The victims are two Swiss women aged 24 and 22 and two Swiss men aged 21 and 18. So far, eight deceased have been identified.

"The current measures are aimed at identifying all victims, both deceased and injured. The Valais cantonal police will announce any new information as soon as it becomes available," the statement continues.

7.48 p.m.

Lutry VD commemorates its victims of the fire disaster

Around 1500 people gathered on Saturday evening in the Saint-Martin Reformed Church in Lutry, Vaud. Several victims of the fire in Crans-Montana in Valais come from the municipality east of Lausanne.

Around 400 people inside and almost a thousand outside held prayers, according to a Keystone-SDA reporter at the scene. These figures were confirmed by the cantonal police.

Those present gathered for about an hour from 6pm. This was followed by a musical part. Afterwards, the church was to remain open until 10 pm "in silence and light".

The parishes of Belmont-Lutry and Pully-Paudex had organized this ecumenical service for "all those seeking support and comfort at this dramatic time".

16.07 hrs

Jans commemorates the victims of the disaster

Two days after the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS, Federal Councillor Beat Jans traveled to the scene of the accident on Saturday afternoon to express his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He also signed a book of condolence.

Jans arrived at the scene of the disaster on Saturday afternoon visibly moved. "Switzerland is deeply saddened," he said. The shock of the immeasurable tragedy is deep. As the father of two daughters, he could only imagine the immeasurable suffering of the families and relatives. He wished the families much strength and assured them that they were not alone.

3.28 p.m.

Canton of Valais opens criminal investigation against bar operator

The public prosecutor's office of the canton of Valais has opened a criminal investigation against the operators of the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, according to a press release. The initial results of the investigation have led to this measure. The operators are accused of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligently causing a fire. The presumption of innocence applies.

2.50 pm

"Tell us nothing" - mother Laetitia makes accusations against authorities

The mother of a missing person is making serious accusations against the authorities' information policy. Laëtitia, who is looking for her son Arthur after the fire in Crans-Montana, told BFMTV that the situation is becoming increasingly unbearable for relatives.

According to the latest information from the crisis unit at 10 a.m., there are "five living, unidentified people" who are currently being treated in hospitals. "The authorities are refusing to tell us where they are - in which country, in which canton," said Laëtitia. "We are tired and increasingly irritated."

1.15 p.m.

"Someone made a mistake," says Valais security director

Ganzer sees failure"Someone made a mistake," says Valais security director

13.09

Valais schools reopen on Monday

Despite the drama in Crans-Montana, schools in Valais will resume classes after the vacations on Monday. However, affected classes will receive psychological support

"The schools will be open as planned," said Pierre-Yves Délèze, Secretary General of the Valais Department of Economy and Education, to the Keystone-SDA news agency on Saturday. The schools and classes affected would be supported, he added.

Rooms could be set up for discussions and, if necessary, support from specialists. "There is certainly a need for young people to meet and exchange ideas," said Délèze. The drama mainly affects teenagers and young adults who had gone to the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana to celebrate the turn of the year. Some of them may have lost friends or escaped the hell of the fire.

According to the spokesperson for the Department of Education, the opportunity for the students to take part in the service in honour of the deceased and injured in Crans-Montana planned for next Friday has yet to be organized. So far, 40 people have died in the fire disaster and 119 were seriously injured.

12.37 p.m.

Confederation opens book of condolence

Un livre de condoléances électronique a été ouvert pour les personnes souhaitant exprimer leur tristesse et leur sympathie aux victimes du drame survenu le 1er janvier 2026 à Crans-Montana : https://t.co/6kwrMKXlRu pic.twitter.com/YThQxPukvh

— Bundesrat • Conseil fédéral • Consiglio federale (@BR_Sprecher) January 3, 2026

In view of the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS, the Confederation has opened a book of condolences on its website. Mourners can leave a message there. Anyone wishing to express their grief and sympathy for the victims of the terrible disaster in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026 can do so in the book of condolence, the Federal Council wrote on the X platform on Saturday. Attached to the post was a link to the book of condolences.

11.04 a.m.

Valais authorities identify four fatalities

The authorities have identified the first victims. Thanks to extensive identification work by the Valais cantonal police, the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, two Swiss women aged 21 and 16 and two Swiss men aged 18 and 16 have so far been identified. This was announced by the authorities on Saturday.

"Once these steps had been completed, the bodies were handed over to their families." Investigations and identification procedures for other victims - both deceased and injured - are still being "intensively pursued". The Valais cantonal police will communicate new information as soon as possible. Out of respect for the relatives, no further details are being provided at present.

9.49 a.m.

Numerous patients also suffered broken bones during the stampede

The managing director of the hospitals in the canton of Valais, Eric Bonvin, told the AFP news agency that patients admitted after the accident had not only suffered burns, but also broken bones. Many of the bone injuries were probably caused by the panicked rush to the exit of the bar.

According to the police, 113 injured people had been identified by Friday, including 71 Swiss, 14 French and eleven Italians.

8.47 a.m.

On the evening before the flaming inferno, students felt uncomfortable in a "very cramped" bar

Two young eyewitnesses report disturbing conditions on the eve of the disaster. Students Flavio Casella and Fabio Falletta told FOCUS Online that they had been partying at Le Constellation the night before the fire. It was "very cramped" in the basement and there was hardly any space. The ceiling insulation was striking and reminiscent of the material used in recording studios.

The two were particularly critical of the safety precautions. "There were no fire extinguishers," says Falletta - at least he didn't see any. Nor did they notice any additional escape routes: "Apart from the main entrance, we didn't see any other exits," says Casella. Looking back, it's hard to bear: "We could have been in there."

Saturday, January 3, 6:58 a.m.

New conversion photo now coming into focus

A photo circulating on social networks could become relevant to the investigation into the fire disaster in Crans-Montana. The picture is said to show the installation of ceiling insulation in the Le Constellation bar, which is said to have caught fire in the fatal disaster. It appears to show large foam panels installed on the ceiling during renovation work inside the bar.

Read more here:

Operators are said to have made the stairs narrowerNew conversion photos of the fire bar are now coming into focus

23.28

Parents of Kocani fire victims condole parents from Crans-Montana

The parents of victims of the nightclub fire in March 2025 in Kocani (North Macedonia) offer their condolences to the parents of the fire victims in Crans-Montana VS.

As reported on Friday by the Italian news agency Ansa, the parents of the Kocani victims wrote on the Facebook page of their association "March 16":"We were heartbroken to learn of the tragedy in Switzerland".

"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims, with the injured and with all those who are enduring this unimaginable pain. We are with you wholeheartedly, not as mere observers, but as people who carry the same wound."

On 16 March last year, 63 people died in a fire at the Pulse nightclub in the small town of Kocani, 100 kilometers east of the North Macedonian capital Skopje. Around 200 people were injured. The fire broke out after a spark machine used for the stage show ignited the ceiling construction, which was made of highly flammable material. 59 people died immediately, another four later succumbed to their serious burn injuries.

10.15 p.m.

Swiss fire victims are also taken to hospitals abroad

The 50 seriously injured fire victims from Crans-Montana VS, who are to be taken to specialized foreign hospitals by Sunday, will also include Swiss nationals. This was announced by the Federal Office for Civil Protection Babs.

The Valais authorities announced at a media conference this afternoon that 50 patients are to be transferred abroad by Sunday. These will be to hospitals in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. According to Babs, transfers to more distant countries are also "under consideration".

10.08 pm

Mayor reacts angrily to "Spiegel" inquiry

The fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS is making headlines around the world, and there is great concern. Numerous journalists from abroad are on site and reporting, including "Der Spiegel". At the press conference on Thursday, the German news magazine wanted to know when and how the bar was checked for compliance with fire safety regulations, emergency exits and maximum occupancy.

In a commentary in the magazine, it says that the mayor Nicolas Féraud "stonewalled" on the question. The "Spiegel" therefore asked again in writing the next morning - and, according to its own information, received an "insult" in response.

The mayor Nicolas Féraud wrote: "Who are you to demand such a thing! I have the decency not to treat you as you deserve and force myself to inform you that the cantonal police are responsible for informing the press."

21:33

US embassy flies flag at half-mast

The US embassy in Bern has lowered its flag to half-mast "as a sign of solidarity" following the fatal fire in Crans-Montana. In a post on the short message service X, it says: "The United States joins Switzerland in mourning the victims of the tragedy in Crans-Montana. In solidarity, Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich has ordered the U.S. Embassy flag to be flown at half-mast."

The United States stands with Switzerland in mourning those who lost their lives in the tragedy in Crans-Montana. In solidarity, Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich has ordered the U.S. Embassy flag to be lowered to half-staff. pic.twitter.com/UCd4OELaQV

— U.S. Embassy Bern (@USEmbassyBern) January 2, 2026

9:12 p.m.

"We thought someone would put it out"

Investigations into the cause of the devastating fire are focusing in particular on the sound-absorbing foam on the ceiling of the restaurant. A 17-year-old from Geneva, who was in the basement of the "Le Constellation" bar at the time of the disaster, told the news agency Keystone- SDA about his experiences.

The teenager, who wishes to remain anonymous, was partying with four friends aged between 15 and 17 in the bar, which is popular with young people because minors are also allowed in. Two of his friends were uninjured and two others were in a critical condition. He himself suffered second-degree burns to his hand, back, head and face.

His statement is consistent with others: A service employee, who was standing on the shoulders of another person, is said to have accidentally ignited the ceiling with a champagne bottle that was decorated with Bengal candles. "At first we saw fire, but thought someone was putting it out. The sound-absorbing foam on the ceiling caught fire, melted and the flames spread," he said. "I had to do a lap around the bar to get away from the fire. At first I walked at walking pace, but the crowd clogged the stairs. A ball of fire and heat filled the room when I was on the stairs."

"Once I was outside, I tried to help the people in the bar, but it was difficult." Many of the injured and survivors fled to the bar opposite. "There were bodies lying on the ground outside the bar. The moment I came out, the emergency services, at least the police, were already there."

20.47 hrs

Four patients at Zurich University Hospital have not yet been identified

As SRF reports, four of the 16 patients being treated at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) have not yet been identified. Meanwhile, the Zurich government has offered capacity in its city hospitals to relieve the burden on clinics specializing in burns.

20.10 hrs

Confederation requested triggering of EU civil protection mechanism

The Federal Office for Civil Protection asked the European Union to trigger a civil protection mechanism on New Year's Day. This was for help in caring for the many victims of the fire in Crans-Montana VS.

This was announced by a media spokesperson for the Federal Office on request. Spokesman Philippe Boeglin went on to say that several EU countries had made offers of assistance to Switzerland at the same time and even before Switzerland made its request. Around 50 transports of fire victims abroad are currently planned. The burn victims would be taken to hospitals specializing in the treatment of burn injuries.

Crans-Montana: EU-coordinated medical evacuations of burn patients from Switzerland are underway.

24 patients are being transferred to hospitals in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy, with transport supported by France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania and Switzerland. 🧵

— Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) January 2, 2026

European countries have also offered to transport patients. In addition, Switzerland has accepted two offers to send specialized teams to treat burn injuries. Such "burn assessment teams" would come to Switzerland from Italy and France.

The EU Commissioner for Civil Protection, Hadja Lahbib, wrote on the short message platform X that 24 patients would be taken to hospitals in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. This with logistical help from Germany, France, Luxembourg and Romania.

19.19 hrs

Head of hospital in Sion reports internal burns

After the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, the hospital in Sion admitted 80 seriously injured people within a few hours. The director anticipates lengthy treatment for many of the injured. Many of the mostly young people suffered more than just external burns, Eric Bonvin told the AP news agency. They had inhaled red-hot gases, which probably led to internal burns in some of them. "This is a truly catastrophic situation," said Bonvin.

Bonvin warned that the road to recovery for the seriously injured was likely to be long and arduous. "For those with severe burns, intensive treatment will take several months," he said. "But there is still hope. They are young, and that means they still have a lot of vitality." The average age of the injured is around 20, he said.

Bonvin reported that 55 seriously injured people were brought to his clinic by ambulance. Other injured people had come themselves, some were brought by relatives. By Friday afternoon, most of them had been transferred to other hospitals and some had already been discharged. "This is a very special situation, as burns are not necessarily visible at first; the nerve endings are burnt, so there is no sensation, and the person affected is mainly in a state of shock," said the doctor, describing the situation at night. In such moments, every minute counts.

Some hospital staff had treated injured people without knowing whether some of their relatives were among the patients. "It was hard for everyone to bear. Probably also because everyone was asking themselves: "Was my child, my cousin, someone from the region at this party?" The bar is well known for its parties. "Besides, it's always traumatic when you see young people arriving."

7.02 pm

Grandfather Pierre searches for his granddaughter on TV

"Hope is stronger than death"Grandfather Pierre desperately searches for Émilie (22) on TV

18.20 hrs

Great sympathy in Crans-Montana

The day after the fire disaster that left 40 dead and 119 injured, people continue to lay flowers, candles and cuddly toys in front of the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana VS.

Some passers-by are unable to hold back their tears. "Rest in peace by the stars" can be read among the numerous flowers, cuddly toys and candles.

Meanwhile, numerous representatives of the local and international media have traveled to the Valais tourist resort to report on the accident.

18.01 hrs

Now the landlord of Le Constellation is speaking out

Update 6.13 p.m.: Following the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, the owners of Le Constellation bar did not comment at first. According to reports, they were in shock and their wife was injured in the fire.

Now the landlord of Le Constellation is breaking his silence. "We can't sleep or eat, we're all in a very bad way," he tells 20 Minutenand emphasizes that he wants to work with the authorities: "We will do everything we can to help clarify the causes. We are doing everything in our power. Our lawyers are also involved."

At the media conference in the afternoon, public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud emphasized that no criminal investigations had yet been initiated against specific individuals. The landlord and his wife have so far only been questioned as persons providing information. The presumption of innocence applies.

The landlord also told Tamedia that the bar had been inspected "three times in ten years" and that "everything complied with the regulations".

5.44 p.m.

Seriously injured from Crans-Montana in Stuttgart and Tübingen

Three of the 119 fire victims are being treated in the south-western German state of Baden-Württemberg. One victim was admitted to a specialist clinic in Stuttgart, two people were accommodated in Tübingen.

"On the part of Marienhospital Stuttgart, I can confirm that one patient has been admitted and is receiving intensive medical care at our hospital," said a hospital spokeswoman. No further information was provided for data protection reasons.

The BG Klinik Tübingen is also involved in the care of the injured. "Due to its special expertise in treating serious burn injuries, the BG Klinik Tübingen was involved in the international aid mission. Two seriously injured people were admitted to our clinic for treatment," said a spokeswoman.

The BG Klinik Tübingen is prepared to treat a large number of seriously injured people who reach the clinic at the same time and has extensive resources available at all times for this eventuality.

5.03 p.m.

Victims hospitalized at Chuv are all young and seriously injured

The victims hospitalized at Lausanne University Hospital (Chuv) are all young patients with serious burn injuries. According to the hospital, between 15 and 60 percent of the body surface area of each of the 22 victims was affected by burns.

The victims' chances of survival are unclear at this stage, doctors said at a Chuv media conference in Lausanne. In addition to burns, many victims also suffered severe smoke inhalation.

Some of the victims were able to identify themselves, while other patients were carrying documents that could have been used to identify them, it was reported. The police were also able to help identify the victims.

The Chuv operates one of the two specialized centers for severe burn victims in Switzerland. The other is located at Zurich University Hospital, where just over a dozen people injured in the fire disaster in a bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve are being treated.

16.34 hrs

Berlin clinic reports requests for help for 40 fire victims

Requests for help have been received in German specialist clinics for the treatment of 40 seriously injured people. "The situation is now such that we have a request for help for 40 severely burned patients," said the director of the clinic for severely burned patients at the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Leila Harhaus-Wähner, to Welt TV. Today, Friday, the first injured patients would be admitted to clinics in Leipzig and Halle, and on Saturday three patients were to be brought to the Berlin clinic.

"The other federal states and the other severe burn injury centers will be just as active," said Harhaus-Wähner. Particularly in the case of severe burns, it is important that the victims are treated very quickly. Patients would have to expect months of treatment and multiple operations - depending on the type of burns.

After the initial stabilization of the patients, the affected areas of skin have to be removed, followed by transplants. "In some cases, you don't have enough of your own skin directly available, so this has to be done in several stages," said Harhaus-Wähner. "Several operations are therefore the rule, so we are talking about a stay in intensive care lasting several weeks, often followed by a few more weeks on normal wards and then rehabilitation."

The fact that most of the victims of the accident in Switzerland are younger could have a positive effect on recovery. A younger age normally leads to a "significantly higher probability of survival" compared to older patients, said Harhaus-Wähner.

4.30 p.m.

Investigators reveal cause of fire and details of casualties for the first time

Disaster in Crans-Montana VSInvestigators reveal cause of fire and details of casualties for the first time

Following the fatal fire disaster in the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, the Valais authorities have provided information on the current status of the investigation. New casualty figures have been confirmed - as well as initial clues as to the possible cause of the fire.

3.17 p.m.

France sends military doctors to Crans-Montana

France is sending a team of military doctors to Crans-Montana. As the French Ministry of Defense told AFP, a medical unit has been sent to Switzerland for an "evaluation mission of burn victims with a view to possible evacuations".

The team consists of a plastic surgeon, an anaesthetist, a specialized nurse and a doctor from the fire department. It is due to arrive in Crans-Montana on Friday afternoon. The unit will remain on site for several days to support the Swiss health authorities and assess burn victims - with a view to possible transfer to specialized clinics, depending on the severity of the injuries.

The authorities are now providing information

The press conference begins after a slight delay. blue News is ticking and streaming live.

Follow the press conference here:

Disaster in Crans-Montana VSInvestigators reveal cause of fire and details of casualties for the first time

14:50

"The death toll could get worse"

Following the fire disaster in the bar in Crans-Montana, 80 to 100 injured people are still in a critical condition. Stéphane Ganzer, Valais Director of Security, said this in an interview with the French radio station RTL.

There is a risk that more victims could die. "The terrible death toll is catastrophic and could get worse", said Ganzer. People with third-degree burns on around 15 percent of their body surface were particularly at risk - they had a significantly increased risk of dying in the hours and days following the accident.

2.11 p.m.

Italy's foreign minister reveals details of investigation

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks of extensive investigations following the fire in Crans-Montana. "The public prosecutor told me that dozens of interviews have already been carried out to establish responsibility for the fire," said Tajani at the scene, according to the Corriere della Sera newspaper

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Italy was supporting the Swiss authorities "in every possible way". "All available medical facilities have been made available. The civil defense has already sent a helicopter, and psychologists from Valle d'Aosta and doctors from Lombardy are on their way," Tajani continued. The Italian criminal investigation department is also ready to identify the victims.

1.56 p.m.

Lausanne has identified all 22 patients

The 22 severely burned patients being treated at Lausanne University Hospital have been identified. Hospital director Claire Charmet told RTS on Friday.

The situation at the hospital is under control and the teams are taking care of both the injured and their families. The prognosis for all those affected is serious, but will be assessed individually. "They are in a critical condition", it says. Further transfers to other hospitals in Switzerland and abroad are also planned.

1.47 p.m.

Israel sends experts to Switzerland

A team of specialists from Israel is to assist the Swiss authorities in identifying the victims of the Crans-Montana fire. Israel has offered Switzerland concrete help in dealing with the situation.

The team, which is part of the Israeli Red Cross, arrived in Crans-Montana on Thursday, reported the Italian news agency Adnkronos on Friday. The emergency services are specialized in identifying charred bodies.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog emphasized the country's experience in the field of "locating and identifying burn victims and treating burn victims in fire accidents".

1.01 p.m.

17 seriously injured in Zurich

17 seriously injured people are being treated in Zurich, including "four children". According to the Zurich cantonal government, 13 seriously injured people have been transferred to Zurich University Hospital for treatment. The four children who were also seriously injured are receiving medical care at the Zurich Children's Hospital.

Specialists from the Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine have been sent to Crans-Montana. According to the Zurich cantonal government, they are supporting the investigation into the cause of the fire on behalf of the Valais public prosecutor's office. However, the specialists are not involved in the identification of the victims.

12.08 p.m.

Press conference at 3 p.m.

The authorities will next provide information on the current situation in Crans-Montana at 3 pm. This is announced by the canton of Valais.

12.03 p.m.

The minutes of the night of the disaster

More than 40 dead, 115 injured: the fire in the "Le Constellation" bar shakes Switzerland. Eyewitness reports, videos and initial information from the authorities make it possible to reconstruct the minutes in which a New Year's Eve party turned into a catastrophe.

The minutes of the night of the disasterNew video shows how the ceiling ignites - then 40 people die

11.40 a.m.

Owner also injured - now there are new details about the bar fire

The owners of the bar "Le Constellation", where the fatal fire disaster in Crans-Montana occurred on New Year's Eve, survived the accident. The owner herself was injured and suffered burns.

Accusations of lax controlsOwner also injured - now there are new details about the fire bar

10.40 a.m.

"Broke down the door" - first responder accuses fire department of serious negligence

A first responder makes serious accusations against the operation at the scene. Paolo Campolo (55) told "20 Minuten" that he had rescued "15 to 20 people together with other first responders" from the burning bar on New Year's Eve. After receiving a call shortly after 1.30 a.m., he immediately set off: "I went straight to the scene."

Campolo pulled people out of the main entrance and into the open. "You could maybe get a meter or two inside to grab people and pull them outside," he says. He deliberately accepted the risk of smoke inhalation. The 55-year-old is now in hospital himself and has to wear a breathing mask.

Campolo is critical of a locked door at the back of the bar. "There were desperate people behind that door," he says. A firefighter said: "We'll take care of it", but then left again. Campolo and other helpers finally took action themselves: "With someone who happened to be passing by, we broke down the door and got the people out." He also reported these observations to the cantonal police.

10.09 a.m.

Families wait for certainty

Following the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS, the identification of the victims has begun. The bodies are so badly burned that it could take days to identify them. Parents of missing young people are desperately appealing on social media for information about their family members.

Relatives are using social media to search for missing persons from the Crans-Montana fire disaster.

Read more here.

Families wait for certaintyLaetitia desperate - "I've been looking for my son Arthur (16) for 30 hours"

9.36 a.m.

Italian golf talent (16) dies in fire disaster

The 16-year-old golfer Emanuele Galeppini has also died in the fire disaster in a bar in Crans-Montana. The teenager was living in Dubai and was regarded as a great talent in international junior golf.

First victim identifiedTalented Italian golfer (16) dies in fire disaster

8.39 a.m.

Identification of victims may take days - hospitals remain under heavy strain

After the fire in Crans-Montana, the identification of the victims is likely to take some time. Mathias Reynard, President of the Valais cantonal government, says that the situation in the hospitals remains extremely tense.

You can read more here

Valais government provides updateHospitals are reaching the limit - families will probably remain in uncertainty for days to come

8.19 a.m.

France takes in eight more injured

France will take in more injured people. In addition to the three patients already being treated in French hospitals, eight more injured people are to be transferred to France at the request of the Swiss authorities. A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry confirmed this to BFMTV.

Requests for cribs have also been made, said Pascal Confavreux. "We are currently looking into how we can care for them in our hospitals."

7.44am

New photo shows outbreak of fire - reminiscent of another devastating disaster

The fire in Crans-Montana, which claimed around 40 lives and injured over 100 people, is frighteningly reminiscent of one of the worst club disasters in the USA. Initial indications point to pyrotechnics as the cause - a scenario that experts have been aware of for over 20 years.

Many parallelsNew photo shows outbreak of the fire - reminiscent of another devastating disaster

7.23 a.m.

At least 80 people in critical condition

According to State Council President Matthias Reynard, at least 80 of the 115 people injured are in a critical condition. This figure refers to people being cared for by the Valais rescue organization KWRO, Reynard told the "Walliser Boten". There are also other seriously injured people who have been taken to emergency stations by other means.

The situation is particularly dramatic at Lausanne University Hospital, where "around thirteen adults and eight minors with burns" are being treated, with more than 60 percent of their bodies burned. Wassim Rafoul explained this to "RTS".

6.24 a.m.

Guest saw "total chaos"

A young guest from Paris, 16-year-old Axel Clavier, survived the accident in Crans-Montana and described the scenes inside the Le Constellation bar as "total chaos". One of his friends had died and two or three were missing, he told the AP news agency. He had not witnessed the outbreak of the fire, but he had seen waitresses with bottles of champagne and sparklers.

Clavier reported that he felt like he was suffocating and initially hid behind a table. He then ran upstairs and tried to break a plexiglass pane with a table. This fell out of the frame, allowing him to escape. He lost his jacket, shoes, cell phone and bank card during the escape, but: "I'm still alive, they're just things."

6.15am

"Bottle held with a lighted candle"

Two women told the French television station BFMTV that they had seen a bartender in the Le Constellation bar lift a female bartender onto his shoulders while she held a bottle with a burning candle. The flames had spread and caused the wooden ceiling to collapse. One of the women described how the crowd panicked and tried to escape from the basement club down a narrow staircase and through a narrow door.

Another witness told BFMTV how people smashed windows to escape the fire. Some were seriously injured.

4.30am

Crans-Montana bar advertised its parties with fireworks

Following the fatal fire at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana VS, earlier advertising material from the establishment is now also coming into focus. A video shows fire effects with champagne bottles.

Promotional video has surfacedCrans-Montana bar advertised its parties with fireworks

Friday, January 2, 2026, 4.16 am

Many injured with severe burns

Many of the more than 110 injured suffer life-threatening burns. At Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) alone, around 13 adults and 8 minors were admitted with burns "on more than 60 percent of their body surface", as Wassim Raffoul, head physician at Morges Hospital, told RTS.

Raffoul went on to say that the injuries were very serious and would take a long time to treat. In addition, the injured may also have suffered smoke inhalation, bruising and broken bones as a result of the crowd. The burning of plastic could have produced very toxic fumes.

Depending on the severity of the burn - i.e. its depth and extent - a skin graft may be necessary. If 60 percent or more of the skin surface is burned, there is a risk of multiple organ failure and therefore a danger to life.

23:27

Photo shows the moment the fire broke out

A photo shows the moment when the ceiling of the "Le Constellation" bar catches fire. The party guests celebrate exuberantly and hold up bottles of champagne with lit sparklers. These ignite the sound-absorbing acoustic panels on the ceiling. From this moment on, the devastating fire catastrophe was unstoppable.

10.30 p.m.

Great acceptance also in the evening

In the evening, many people lay flowers in front of the "Le Constellation" bar and light candles for the victims. The shock is written all over the faces of those present. Tears flow, some mourners lie in each other's arms.

20:51

New video shows panic after fire inferno

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Maurizio Molinari (@maurizio_molinari_)

A video posted on Instagram shows the extent of the disaster. While flames billow out of the bar in the background, desperate guests are trapped at the entrance. This is the only exit from the lower part of Le Constellation bar, which has two levels.

Screams can be heard in the square in front of the bar and several passers-by capture the dramatic scenes on their cell phones.

20:23

France takes in injured people from Swiss hospitals

France is taking in injured people from the fire in Crans-Montana in its hospitals. This was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. Following a telephone conversation with President Guy Parmelin, Macron said on X that France was ready to "provide any assistance" and thanked the teams and nursing staff who were deployed.

Je me suis entretenu avec le Président de la Confédération helvétique @ParmelinG pour lui exprimer notre solidarité. Le bilan est terrible. Nos pensées accompagnent les familles.

Nos équipes diplomatiques et consulaires suivent la situation et apportent l’assistance…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 1, 2026

Macron did not provide any information on the number of injured people treated in France or the hospitals involved. "Our thoughts are with the families", he continued, expressing France's solidarity with Switzerland.

7.23 p.m.

400 people attend mass in honor of the victims of Crans-Montana

Around 400 people attended a mass in honor of the victims of the Crans-Montana VS fire disaster on Thursday evening. The ceremony in the church of this village was led by the Bishop of Sion VS, Jean-Marie Lovey, as a photographer reported to the Keystone-SDA news agency.

The diocese of Sion had already issued a statement in the afternoon saying that it was "shocked" to learn of the tragedy in Crans-Montana and expressed "its concern, closeness and sympathy for all the victims, their relatives and families".

She also expressed "her support and gratitude to all those who have helped the victims in various ways, on the ground or in the various hospitals - as nursing staff or as police, civil and judicial authorities"

18:07

Press conference ended

That concludes the press conference.

18.06 hrs

Regular checks have been carried out

Mayor Nicolas Féraud emphasizes that bars and restaurants in the municipality are regularly visited and inspected. However, he did not provide any information on the maximum permitted occupancy of the bar in question. Féraud also did not comment on the owners of the Le Constellation bar. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud also said that it was currently not known how many people were in the bar at the time of the fire.

5.59 p.m.

No arrests

A journalist wants to know whether anyone has been arrested as a result of the drama. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud denies this. There are currently no suspects.

The authorities do not provide any information on the ages of the victims. However, police commander Gisler says that based on the circumstances, it can be said that they were mainly "young people who were out partying".

5.55 p.m.

Patient transport abroad possible

State Council President Reynard says that so far all the injured have been accommodated in Switzerland. "Depending on the situation, however, it is possible that some patients will be transferred abroad in the coming hours."

President Parmelin adds that the FDFA has already been in contact with other countries. "It is possible that two patients who are currently in Zurich will be transferred to their home country of Italy in the coming hours. We are in contact with the authorities there."

17.53 hrs

No information on nationalities yet

There is now more information on the nationalities of the victims. However, these are not yet being shared publicly. "We have initial figures, but they are still relatively rough. But first we will talk to the families," says police commander Frédéric Gisler.

5.50 p.m.

No information on possible triggers

In response to questions about the possible cause of the fire, the Attorney General is reticent. When asked whether champagne bottles with fireworks were involved, Beatrice Pilloud said: "The drama only happened a few hours ago - at the moment I can't say anything about what happened."

She also gave no details about the ownership of the bar. Pilloud also did not want to comment on the structural situation, such as whether the stairs to the basement were narrow.

5.49 p.m.

Many patients in a critical condition

There are now more figures on the number of hospitalized patients. Matthias Reynard says that 30 people were hospitalized themselves. 80 people have been hospitalized by the rescue services of the canton of Valais, the majority of whom are in a critical condition. 20 people have been transported to other hospitals.

5.42 p.m.

Several fire hypotheses

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud explained that there are currently several hypotheses. The main hypothesis is that a room caught fire and then exploded.

The Zurich Forensic Institute had been commissioned to carry out an expert report to clarify the exact cause. However, the focus is currently on identifying the bodies - this could still take some time.

17.34 hrs

"We see the grief and suffering"

Nicolas Féraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, now speaks. He speaks of a moment "full of grief and fear" that has affected the entire community in the most brutal way. "People have died here. We see the suffering of the relatives and the injured."

Féraud also provides exact figures: Over 40 deaths and 115 mostly seriously injured people have been reported so far, for example.

5.31 pm

"A very terrible moment"

State Councillor Mathias Reynard now drives up. He continues to speak of a tragedy with "several dozen dead", but still does not give an exact number.

Reynard expresses his condolences to the families of the victims. "It is a difficult time and many people out there are waiting for more information. But: identifying the victims, the dead and injured, will still take some time."

Reynard also thanked the other cantons for showing their solidarity and, above all, for taking in the injured. "It is a terrible moment."

17.27 hrs

"Switzerland is in mourning"

The flags at the Federal Palace are currently flying at half-mast. This will remain the case for the next five days, says Parmelin. He also announces that, in view of the circumstances, he is foregoing the traditional New Year's address. He thanks the emergency services: "You have shown a great deal of courage, thank you."

"Switzerland is in mourning," Parmelin concludes. "But there is hope. I want to say to the relatives and the injured: you are not alone. We are here to help you"

17:19

"Celebration ended in drama, it's bad," says Parmelin

Now President Guy Parmelin is speaking. "The circumstances are absolutely dramatic," he says at the beginning. "The Federal Council was shocked to learn of the events here in Crans-Montana." The New Year celebrations had ended in "a drama" and dozens of people had lost their lives. The Federal Council expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

"It is one of the worst tragedies that has ever occurred in this country," continued Parmelin. He thanked all the countries and organizations that had contacted him and offered their services - such as Italy, which had offered to take seriously injured people into its hospitals.

5.15 p.m.

Now the authorities and Parmelin are speaking

The authorities are now back in front of the microphones. President Guy Parmelin is also present. Other participants:

Mr. Mathias Reynard, President of the State Council,

Head of the Department of Security, Institutions and Sport, Stéphane Ganzer,

Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud,

the commander of the Valais cantonal police, Mr. Frédéric Gisler

and the President of the municipality of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud.

5.03 p.m.

Parmelin arrives in Valais

President Guy Parmelin has arrived in Valais. He is currently getting an overview of the situation and will address the media at 5.15 pm.

4.53 p.m.

Italian Foreign Minister speaks of 47 dead

According to the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, 47 people are currently believed to have died. Tajani said that he had been in close contact with the Swiss authorities throughout the day. Following the fire in Switzerland, 16 Italian nationals are also missing.

3.42 p.m.

Flags at half-mast at the Federal Palace

Anyone walking past the Federal Palace on Thursday afternoon will see the Swiss flag at half-mast. The flag is also lowered on other federal buildings in Bern. The accident is seen as a tragedy of national significance.

On request, the spokesperson for President Guy Parmelin confirmed that the mourning flag was ordered because of the accident in Crans-Montana. Parmelin will also appear before the media in Sion in the late afternoon at around 5.15 pm.

When Switzerland will mourn and the flags will be lowered is precisely regulated. A federal directive specifies the cases in which mourning flags must be flown - for example, the death of a member of the Federal Council, the death of a foreign head of state or serious disasters. In such situations, the Federal Council orders the Swiss flag to be flown at half-mast on federal buildings in the Bern conurbation.

3.35 p.m.

US embassy calls on its own citizens to report to relatives

The US embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein has called on American citizens via Instagram to inform family and friends about their safety and state of health. In the event of an emergency, the authority refers to a contact number where those affected by the New Year's Eve accident in Valais can report.

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von U.S. Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (@usembassybern)

2.05 p.m.

Authorities suspect "flashover"

The authorities have announced new details about the fire. As the canton writes in a press release, there was a so-called "flashover" in the bar. The fire suddenly went from the incipient phase to a full fire. This was followed by one or more explosions. In fire dynamics, a "flashover" is the moment when all flammable surfaces in a closed room ignite simultaneously.

13:34

New video shows bar ceiling in flames

The night in Crans-Montana not only left its mark on the scene, but also on social media. As reported by "Le Nouvelliste", a video is now circulating showing the ceiling in the Le Constellation bar catching fire.

1.02 pm

First pictures show the bar from the inside

12.10 p.m.

Over a dozen burn victims are being treated in Zurich

The University Hospital Zurich, which specializes in burn injuries, has already treated over a dozen burn victims from Crans-Montana VS on Thursday. More are likely to follow, said a spokesperson.

The rescue helicopters are constantly flying in new burn victims from Crans-Montana, said a hospital spokesperson at the request of Keystone-SDA. By midday on Thursday, there were already over a dozen.

There are two centers in Switzerland that specialize in injuries of this kind: The University Hospitals of Zurich and Lausanne.

11.39 a.m.

President of the Swiss Confederation speaks with moving words

On the day of his inauguration as the new President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin has spoken movingly about New Year's Eve.

Parmelin wrote on the X platform: "What should have been a moment of joy turned into grief that night in Crans-Montana, which affects the whole of Switzerland and abroad."

Was ein Moment der Freude sein sollte, verwandelte sich in der Nacht in Crans-Montana in eine Trauer, die die ganze Schweiz und das Ausland betrifft. Der Bundesrat hat diese Tragödie mit tiefer Bestürzung zur Kenntnis genommen.

— Guy Parmelin (@ParmelinG) January 1, 2026

The Federal Council expresses its deepest condolences to the victims, the injured and their families, Parmelin added.

11.28 a.m.

Video shows the situation at night

A police video shows what the situation looks like after the emergency services arrive. Dozens of emergency services rushed to the aid of the victims in Crans-Montana on Thursday night.

11.05 a.m.

Video shows bar fire in Crans-Montana

A video from an eyewitness shows blazing flames inside the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana VS. Dozens of people are standing in front of the building, as the short clip shows.

Another video shows people lying on the ground in front of the bar. blue News is not showing this video for reasons of confidentiality.

10.57 a.m.

Traces at the scene of the accident point to a fire

According to the Valais authorities, the evidence at the scene of the accident in Crans-Montana points to a fire and not an assassination attempt. They found signs that a fire had started in the bar.

In the course of this fire, there were explosions, said State Councillor Stéphane Ganzer to the media. The explosion was not at the beginning of the incident.

Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud was unable to provide any information on the source of the fire in the bar. It was still far too early for that, she said in response to a journalist's question. Pilloud also did not comment on the emergency exits from the bar. She asked for respect for the relatives of the many dead and injured.

Numerous people from Switzerland and abroad celebrated in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve. The police have not yet been able to provide any information on possible victims from abroad. Identification is underway, said police commander Frédéric Gisler, and this includes informing the relatives of the victims.

10.55 a.m.

Valais State Councillor is close to tears

The scenes in Crans-Montana VS are visibly affecting those responsible. During an interview with RTS, State Councillor Mathias Reynard is deeply moved. "It's an absolute tragedy, it can't even be put into words," says Reynard, his voice choked with tears. "I don't really know what to say - it's really hard. Your thoughts are with the families of the loved ones - it's hard. Really hard. "

10.45 a.m.

The press conference is over. The authorities will return to the public with a statement at a later date.

10.43am

Number of fatalities not known

Exactly how many people died remains unclear for the time being - the authorities are withholding specific figures. No information has yet been given on the identity of the victims either. "It is too early for that", they say.

The cause of the devastating fire that destroyed the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana is also still unclear. Although there was initially talk of an explosion, Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud has now clarified that there was no explosion in the first place.

10.38 a.m.

100 people injured, some seriously

Around 100 people were injured, many of them seriously, as State Council President Mathias Reynard confirmed. The victims were distributed to various hospitals during the night - not only in Valais, but also beyond the cantonal borders.

"The capacities in Valais are exhausted", said Reynard. Numerous patients had to be transferred to hospitals outside the canton, especially university hospitals. The logistical effort is still running at full speed - medical teams, rescue services and specialists are working at the limit to save lives.

10.36 a.m.

Special situation declared - authorities want to mobilize resources

The Valais State Council has declared a special situation due to the explosion in Crans-Montana. The aim is to mobilize all the necessary resources as quickly as possible and without delay, according to a press release.

The special situation will apply from 9 a.m. on Thursday, the State Council added. The operation is still ongoing. The authorities called on the population to strictly adhere to the instructions of the emergency services and not to enter the affected area. The State Council expressed its "great solidarity" with those affected and sent its thoughts to the victims, their families and all others affected.

10.32 a.m.

10 helicopters and 40 ambulances on site

10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and around 150 paramedics are currently on duty. The Valais cantonal hospital has declared a state of disaster. The intensive care unit and the operating block are fully occupied, according to the authorities. Where possible, patients have been transferred to other hospitals, such as Zurich. "Switzerland is showing solidarity". In order to cope with the situation, the State Council has decided to impose a special situation.

10.29 a.m.

Support from Zurich

As the Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud explains, a comprehensive investigation has been initiated. The cause is being investigated in detail.

The Valais authorities have enlisted the help of the Zurich Forensic Institute - in particular for the identification of the numerous fatalities. The scale of the accident is staggering:

According to police commander Frédéric Gisler, it involves several dozen dead - and just as many injured.

10.26 a.m.

"Our thoughts are with the victims"

A press conference was announced at 10.00 am. A little late, the cantonal police, the mayor and other representatives of the authorities appear before the media.

State Council President Mathias Reynard says: "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. It is a great tragedy on an evening of celebration." He addresses the population and the entire country and thanks all the emergency services for their support. He also thanked all the hospitals that had offered help.

They provide information on the current situation in Crans-Montana. According to the police, at least 100 people are injured, "most of them seriously" - several dozen people are dead.

09.38 a.m.

The current situation in Crans-Montana

According to a statement from the Valais police, several people have died in the accident and numerous others have been injured. The figures currently circulating are staggering: according to Le Nouvelliste, around 40 people are believed to have fallen victim to the flames. Almost 100 people were injured, many of them seriously - with extensive burns, as a medical source confirmed to RTS.

Police spokesman Gaëtan Lathion also spoke of an explosion of unknown origin that may have sparked the fire. A huge rescue operation has been underway since the early hours of the night. However, the situation is under control. Helicopters from Air Glaciers, Rega and an Italian rescue helicopter are transporting the injured to nearby hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland.

The affected area was completely cordoned off and a no-fly zone was established over Crans-Montana. A helpline has been set up for relatives on 084 811 21 17.

Due to the acute shortage of medical supplies, Geneva University Hospital (HUG) took action: yesterday evening it sent urgently needed medication to Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), where numerous victims are being treated. The HUG itself has already admitted the first patients and is expecting more.

According to the newspaper 24 Heures, doctors and psychologists are also on duty. Temporary emergency accommodation for the injured has been set up in several parts of the resort. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. Further details on the cause of the incident are still pending.

09.24 am

First pictures show bar in Crans-Montana after the accident

According to media reports, helicopters are still circling over Crans-Montana every minute. According to "Blick", a helicopter is said to have landed at Zurich University Hospital.

New pictures show the scene after the explosion.

‼️ [ 🇨🇭 SUISSE ]

🔸️ Plusieurs personnes ont été tuées et d’autres grièvement blessées dans l’explosion d’un bar à la station de ski de Crans-Montana. Les médias locaux évoquent des dizaines de blessés, mais aucun bilan provisoire n’a encore été communiqué. pic.twitter.com/kosiFRoO5J

— Little Think Tank (@L_ThinkTank) January 1, 2026

8.56 a.m.

Media reports of "several dozen" dead

"Rhône FM" reports that negligent use of pyrotechnics could have been the cause of the tragedy. It also reports "several dozen" deaths, with one source citing the figure of 40. "Le Nouvelliste" also claims to have heard of at least 40 dead and at least 100 injured.

8.47 a.m.

Bar is in the basement

According to "Inside Paradeplatz", the bar belongs to "a couple from Corsica, France, who run several restaurants in the area". The duo took over the establishment in 2015. Pictures show the location of Le Constellation in the basement of the building.

8.22 a.m.

Major operation underway - flight ban over Crans-Montana

The Valais cantonal police report a "serious incident" in which "several people have lost their lives". A large-scale operation is underway: a flight ban has been issued over Crans-Montana. No further information will be given before the press conference at 10 a.m., it continues.

8 a.m.

Many fire victims

A Rega doctor tells RTS that the hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland are overloaded with fire victims. The population should relieve the doctors as much as possible and not take any risks today, he continues.

7.43 a.m.

Press conference at 10 a.m.

The authorities have scheduled a press conference for 10 am, which will be held by Frédéric Gisler, writes RTS. The new commander of the Valais cantonal police has only been in office since today. It is also reported that the explosion took place in the cellar of the bar, which is located in the basement and can accommodate up to 400 guests.

Suisse : plusieurs morts après une explosion dans la station de ski de Crans-Montana. Le sinistre a eu lieu dans un bar où plusieurs personnes s'étaient réunies pour les festivités du Nouvel An.

▶️ @Raph_journalist dans #BonjourLaMatinaleTF1 avec @MaudDescamps ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vgmXUuL2EK

— TF1Info (@TF1Info) January 1, 2026

7.40 a.m.

Police confirm "several injured and dead"

The cause of the explosion is still unknown, according to Gaëtan Lathion, spokesman for the Valais cantonal police. There were "several injured and dead", the police spokesman added. According to him, more than a hundred people were in the restaurant at the time of the explosion.

The cantonal and municipal police, the fire department and several helicopters were deployed to the scene. A helpline was set up for family members and relatives of the victims on "084 811 21 17".

7.14 a.m.

Dead and injured at New Year's Eve party in Valais

A fire broke out in the Le Constellation bar and lounge in Crans-Montana VS at around 1.30 a.m. on New Year's Eve, following an explosion.

An eyewitness told "Blick" that dozens of people were injured and the doctor claimed to have seen dead bodies. The cantonal police confirmed the major fire: a short video on X is said to show the disaster. The authorities admitted to the "Walliser Bote" that there were several fatalities.

‼️ [ 🇨🇭 SUISSE ]

🔸 Selon les médias locaux, l'explosion d’origine inconnue a secoué vers 1h30 du matin le sous-sol du bar Le Constellation, à la station de ski de Crans-Montana, déclenchant un incendie dans cet établissement pouvant accueillir jusqu'à 400 personnes. https://t.co/1k7m2TtO9b pic.twitter.com/IinXeeANqr

— Little Think Tank (@L_ThinkTank) January 1, 2026

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