At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after a powerful explosion triggered a massive fire at a luxury bar in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations, Swiss authorities said on Wednesday.
The blast occurred at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, where more than 150 people were gathered at the time of the incident.
Swiss officials said the incident is being treated as a fire-related disaster and not a terrorist attack.
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin. There are several injured, and several dead,” police spokesman Gaetan Lathion told AFP, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause.
Explosion Originated in Basement
According to authorities, the explosion took place in the basement of the bar, rapidly engulfing the building in flames.
A doctor at a local hospital said medical facilities in Crans-Montana were overwhelmed with burn victims, prompting emergency services to transfer some patients to neighbouring regions.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the venue as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Fireworks Theory Being Examined
While Swiss media suggested that fireworks used during a concert may have triggered the blast, police said the exact cause remains unknown and is under investigation.
The incident comes amid an unusually dry period in Switzerland, which has been grappling with forest fires in recent months, raising concerns about heightened fire risks.
Police confirmed that a helpline for families of victims has been set up. In addition, a temporary no-fly zone was imposed over Crans-Montana to facilitate emergency operations.
Crans-Montana, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps and around two hours from Bern, is a popular global tourist destination known for skiing, snowboarding and golf.
Switzerland’s Fire Risk Under Spotlight
The tragedy has renewed attention on Switzerland’s growing vulnerability to fires. Between 2001 and 2024, the country lost over 3 per cent of its forest cover due to fires, according to available data.
The blast also comes months after a fire at Geneva’s historic Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues, one of Switzerland’s oldest luxury hotels, left several people injured.
