A powerful explosion followed by a fierce fire ripped through the crowded Le Constellation basement bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, leaving around 40 people dead and nearly 100 others injured according to multiple international reports. The bar, located in a luxury Alpine destination popular with tourists, was hosting New Year’s Eve festivities when the blast occurred, trapping many inside as flames and smoke spread rapidly through the venue. Emergency services mounted a large-scale response through the night, deploying helicopters, ambulances and dozens of firefighters and rescuers, while hospitals in the region were placed on high alert to treat severe burn and smoke inhalation victims.
Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire, with early indications in media reports pointing to the possible role of pyrotechnics or technical faults inside the bar, though officials have not yet confirmed a definitive cause. Crucially, Swiss police and prosecutors have stated that there is currently no indication of a terrorist motive, and the incident is being treated as a catastrophic but non-terror-related blast. The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over New Year celebrations in Switzerland and beyond, as leaders and local officials express condolences to the victims’ families and arrange psychological support for survivors and witnesses shaken by the disaster.
