Italy foreign ministry reports at least 40 dead in Swiss ski resort fire

Around 40 people were killed and 100 injured in a New Year’s Eve fire at a Crans-Montana resort bar in Switzerland, with authorities ruling out arson and the cause still under investigation.

Marine Delrue, Reim Nahaboo/Reuters

1 January 2026 at 10:58:26

Tragedy in Crans-Montana: Around 40 dead, 100 injured in New Year’s Eve fire at Swiss resort bar

Reuters

Swiss police say around 40 people have died and 100 others were injured in a fire during a New Year’s Eve party in the resort town of Crans-Montana, according to the Italian Foreign Ministry on Thursday (January 1).

The ministry added that the blaze is not believed to have been caused by arson. Victims could not be immediately identified due to the severity of their burns.

The fire broke out at 1:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) at a bar called Le Constellation in the southwestern Swiss resort.

Authorities have completely closed off the area, and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana. Police said the cause of the fire remains unclear.

Production: Marine Delrue, Reim Nahaboo/Reuters

Tragic New Year's Eve fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland leaves around 40 dead and 100 injured at a resort bar. Authorities investigate as the area remains closed off.