CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND – A festive New Year’s Eve celebration turned into a scene of devastation early Thursday morning after a powerful explosion ripped through a popular bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities have confirmed several fatalities and dozens of injuries in an incident that has overwhelmed regional medical facilities.
The Incident
The blast occurred at approximately 1:30 AM local time at the Constellation Bar. According to Valais police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion, more than 100 people were inside the establishment when the explosion triggered a massive fire.
Eyewitness accounts and social media footage describe a chaotic scene as emergency responders converged on the building. “Countless ambulances and several helicopters were deployed,” one witness reported, highlighting the scale of the rescue operation.
Medical Crisis
The severity of the incident has placed an immense strain on the Swiss healthcare system. A physician from the Rega air rescue service informed broadcasters that hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland are currently struggling to cope with a surge of patients suffering from critical burn injuries.
In response to the tragedy, authorities have established a dedicated emergency helpline for families and relatives: 084 811 21 17.
Investigation Underway
While local media outlets, including Blick, have suggested the fire may have been ignited by indoor fireworks during a New Year’s concert, the Valais cantonal police have officially stated the cause remains “unknown.” A forensic investigation is currently underway to determine the exact origin of the blast.
Broader Context
The tragedy comes at a sensitive time for the region, as Switzerland prepares to host the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters later this month (January 19–23).
Crans-Montana, located roughly two hours from the capital city of Bern, is known internationally as a premier luxury destination. The local community remains in shock as recovery efforts continue.
PingTV will continue to monitor this developing story. Stay tuned for updates following the official police press briefing.
Reported by PingTV News Desk | January 1, 2026
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