What We Know About the Switzerland Ski Resort Fire
Around 40 lives have tragically been lost, and 115 individuals have sustained injuries following a devastating fire at a ski resort in southwest Switzerland. This horrific incident occurred on New Year’s Day at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in a bar named Le Constellation, located in the popular resort area of Crans-Montana. Authorities are treating this incident as a fire, asserting that there is “no question” it was an attack. Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin has called it “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced.”
A helpline has been established for concerned families: +41 848 112 117. Here’s what we know so far.
Victims of the Switzerland Ski Resort Fire
– Approximately 40 people have died, and 115 are injured, with many suffering severe injuries.
– The injured have been taken to hospitals across Switzerland, with a burns unit in Milan in neighboring Italy also available for treatment.
– As of now, 22 patients, predominantly aged between 16 and 26, have been transferred to Lausanne University Hospital.
– Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and return their bodies to families promptly. However, due to the severe burns, the Italian ambassador noted that identification may take weeks.
– The Italian Foreign Ministry has reported 16 Italian nationals missing, while 12 to 15 others are hospitalized.
– At least two French nationals are among the injured, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing solidarity and support for Switzerland.
– The UK embassy is monitoring the situation and is prepared to assist British nationals affected by the tragedy.
What Caused the Fire?
Currently, the cause of the fire remains unknown, although initial investigations do not indicate an attack. Stéphane Ganzer, a regional security official, clarified that any explosions were likely caused by the fire developing rather than being triggered by an explosive device. Eyewitness accounts detail how the fire may have started:
– Two French nationals, Emma and Albane, reported seeing a waitress place a birthday candle on a champagne bottle, which was held too close to the ceiling, igniting a rapid fire spread. “In a matter of seconds, the entire ceiling was ablaze. Everything was made of wood,” they recounted.
– They described the evacuation as exceedingly challenging due to the narrow escape routes and even tighter stairways.
Ms. Pilloud confirmed in a news briefing that while the staircases appeared narrow, investigations would determine if they complied with safety regulations. Frédéric Gisler, the regional police commander, stated that smoke was first observed at approximately 01:30 local time, prompting immediate calls to emergency services.
The Le Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana
Le Constellation has been a longstanding venue in the Crans-Montana ski resort, known for its vibrant atmosphere during peak seasons. Key points about the bar include:
– It features an upstairs area with TV screens where patrons enjoy sports broadcasts, and a downstairs bar where guests usually gather to drink and dance.
– The venue has a capacity of up to 300 people, complemented by a small terrace, although the exact number of patrons present during the fire remains unclear.
– Given that the holiday season is one of the busiest times in Alpine ski resorts, it is likely that the bar was filled with both Swiss locals and tourists celebrating the commencement of 2026.
As investigations continue, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time.