Images have surfaced revealing the interior of a bar located in a popular Swiss ski resort where a significant number of individuals have tragically lost their lives. Approximately 40 people are reported to have perished, with around 100 sustaining injuries following a devastating fire that engulfed Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland during New Year festivities.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims involved in the incident at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana during a New Year’s Eve celebration. However, it is suspected that tourists may be among those who have been affected. Witnesses recount seeing numerous casualties being evacuated after the fire ravaged the establishment, primarily situated in a basement with only one entrance and exit.
Recognized as a prominent establishment in the region, Le Constellation is renowned for its distinctive purple lighting and central bar, attracting a youthful clientele and holding a longstanding reputation as an institution in existence for over four decades.
Reports suggest a potential explosion preceding the fire at approximately 1:30 am, potentially linked to a firework, although authorities have refrained from speculating on the cause at this point. Frederic Gisler, the police commander for Valais Canton, confirmed that emergency services swiftly secured the site, established a facility to assist victims and their families, activated a helpline for support, and acknowledged the closure of the central street in Crans for investigative purposes.
Efforts are underway to identify the victims and notify their families, a process that is expected to take time before precise figures can be provided. The resort, situated amidst the Swiss Alps, lies just 25 miles north of the iconic Matterhorn peak and 81 miles south of Zurich. Boasting an elevation of nearly 3,000 meters, Crans-Montana accommodates a population of 10,000 residents, with municipal plans geared towards transitioning from a tourism-oriented culture to fostering high-tech research and development initiatives.
Established on January 1, 2017, the municipality encompasses a diverse geographic range extending from the Rhône Valley to the Plaine Morte glacier. An esteemed venue on the World Cup circuit for Alpine skiing, Crans-Montana is slated to host the forthcoming world championships over a two-week period in February 2027. The resort is also recognized for its role in international golf, with the Crans-sur-Sierre club hosting the European Masters annually in August on a picturesque course offering stunning mountain vistas.