The fire erupted less than two hours into the new year while the bar was hosting a crowded New Year’s Eve event. Flames quickly engulfed the venue, producing thick smoke and triggering panic among guests trying to escape.
Authorities confirmed that firefighters arrived within minutes of the first emergency call. Despite the rapid response, the intensity of the fire and the number of people inside the bar contributed to the high number of casualties.
Videos later verified by news organizations showed the building ablaze as smoke filled the night sky and crowds gathered outside, with sirens and screams audible in the background.
Casualties and Injuries: What Authorities Say So Far
Officials report that around 40 people lost their lives, while approximately 115 others were injured, many of them critically. Hospitals in the region were quickly overwhelmed, forcing emergency services to transfer patients to medical facilities across the country.
Valais canton police commander Frédéric Gisler described the incident as an “unprecedented tragedy.” Authorities have emphasized that identifying victims remains a priority, as the severity of injuries has complicated the process.
Several victims were reportedly young people, including both Swiss residents and tourists visiting the resort for the holiday season.
Investigation Ongoing, No Indication of an Attack
As of today, investigators say there is no indication that the fire was caused by an attack. Prosecutors have stated that while an explosion occurred during the incident, it is believed to have resulted from the fire itself rather than being the initial cause.
Officials have launched a formal investigation to determine exactly how the blaze started, stressing that the inquiry is aimed at understanding the circumstances—not assigning blame prematurely.
Authorities have declined to speculate on unconfirmed eyewitness accounts circulating on social media, reinforcing the importance of relying on verified findings.
Survivor Accounts Paint a Harrowing Picture
Survivors have described scenes of chaos and confusion as the fire spread rapidly. One teenage survivor told reporters that he was still in shock after losing a friend in the incident, with others initially unaccounted for in the aftermath.
A journalist dining nearby said people were screaming as they tried to escape through the main entrance, with several victims collapsing on the floor amid the smoke.
These firsthand accounts highlight the speed at which the situation escalated and the difficulty many faced in getting out safely.
National Response and Messages of Condolence
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed condolences to the victims and their families, saying that behind the numbers are “faces, names, families, and destinies brutally interrupted.”
Out of respect for those affected, a traditional New Year’s address to the nation was delayed. Authorities also established a helpline and reception center to assist relatives searching for loved ones.
International responses followed, including messages from foreign governments and embassies urging citizens in Switzerland to notify family members of their safety.
Emergency Measures and Medical Evacuations
Due to the large number of casualties, a temporary no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana to allow helicopters to safely evacuate the injured. This measure helped speed up transfers to hospitals better equipped to handle critical burn and trauma cases.
Local officials acknowledged that the regional hospital’s intensive care unit reached capacity quickly, underscoring the scale of the emergency response required.
Crans-Montana: A Resort Town in Mourning
Crans-Montana is a well-known destination in the Swiss Alps, located about two hours from Bern and not far from the Matterhorn. The resort town is typically associated with winter sports, tourism, and international events.
Later this month, Crans-Montana is scheduled to host a major international skiing competition. As of today, it remains unclear how the tragedy will affect upcoming events, as the community focuses on recovery and remembrance.
A Celebration Turned Tragic
What began as a joyful New Year’s Eve gathering ended in one of the most tragic incidents Switzerland has seen in recent years. As investigations continue, authorities urge patience and caution against misinformation.
For now, the focus remains on supporting victims, helping families find answers, and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.