Swiss authorities have ruled out the possibility of an attack in the devastating explosion and fire that tore through a luxury bar at the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 40 people. Investigators have said the focus of the inquiry is firmly on a fire-related incident, although the precise cause of the blaze is still being determined.
Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor-general of the canton of Valais, confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Speaking to the media, she said authorities are currently working on the assumption that the incident was accidental and linked to a fire, stressing that there is no indication of an attack. She added that, out of respect for the victims and their families, officials were unable to share further details at this stage.
The explosion occurred in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, where more than 150 people had gathered to celebrate the arrival of the new year. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, citing Swiss police sources, at least 40 people were killed and around 100 others were injured, many of them suffering serious burns. Swiss authorities have so far described the number of casualties only as “tens,” as the identification process is still ongoing.
Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler said the task of identifying the victims and notifying their families would take time, describing the situation as deeply distressing for the community. He said the region was in shock and that emergency teams were working around the clock to manage the aftermath of the disaster. Prosecutor Pilloud echoed his remarks, noting that extensive forensic examinations were required and that the affected area would remain closed temporarily to allow investigators to work and to ensure the dignified return of victims to their families.
Preliminary witness accounts reported by French broadcaster BFMTV suggested that the fire may have spread rapidly after a candle ignited the wooden ceiling, triggering what officials described as an “embrasement généralisé” — a sudden and violent flashover. While early speculation mentioned fireworks as a possible cause, police have said no conclusion has yet been reached. A police spokesperson, Gaetan Lathion, told AFP that the explosion’s origin remains unknown.
Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Helicopters and ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where intensive care units and operating theatres were stretched to capacity. Authorities established a helpline for families seeking information and imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to allow rescue operations to proceed without disruption.
The tragedy comes amid growing concerns over fire risks in Switzerland, which has experienced prolonged dry spells and an increase in forest fires in recent years. Official data shows that more than three per cent of the country’s forest cover has been lost to fires between 2001 and 2024, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of certain regions.
Crans-Montana, a well-known international tourist destination located around two hours from Bern, is popular for winter sports and major sporting events. In the wake of the incident, authorities have urged caution and patience as medical teams continue to deal with the influx of injured victims and investigations progress.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences in a social media message, saying the government’s thoughts were with the victims, the injured, and their families. As a mark of respect, he postponed his traditional New Year address, acknowledging the scale of the tragedy that has shaken the country at the start of the new year.
