Swiss Ski Resort Explosion: New Year celebrations at one of Switzerland’s most luxurious ski resorts ended in tragedy after a powerful explosion tore through a crowded bar in Crans-Montana. Several people lost their lives, and many others suffered injuries when the blast struck in the early hours of Thursday.
Authorities rushed to the scene as panic and chaos spread through the resort town.
What Happened at Crans-Montana?
The explosion occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular bar known for hosting lively gatherings of tourists. The venue was packed with people celebrating the arrival of the New Year when the blast erupted.
Police confirmed that the explosion triggered a fire inside the building, and flames quickly spread, forcing guests to flee into nearby streets. Emergency responders reached the location within minutes.
🇨🇭⚡ Several people were ki!!ed and others injured after an explosion tore through a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police say.
A cantonal police spokesperson told AFP that the blast was of unknown origin while confirming multiple fatalities. pic.twitter.com/GGbEOvvKrk
— Osint World (@OsiOsint1) January 1, 2026
“There has been an explosion of unknown origin. There are several injured, and several dead,” Lathion said, as quoted in the report.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
Firefighters, ambulances, and police teams worked through the night to rescue victims and control the fire. Medical teams treated the injured on-site before transferring them to nearby hospitals.
Authorities sealed off the area to ensure public safety. Rescue teams continued search operations to rule out the presence of anyone trapped inside the damaged structure.
A helpline has been established to assist families seeking information about their loved ones.
Cause of Explosion Still Unknown
Officials have not confirmed what caused the explosion, and investigators are examining all possibilities, including accidental causes.
Videos circulating on social media show flames rising from the bar shortly after the blast. Some reports suggest fireworks may have been involved during a concert. Police have not verified this claim and continue to investigate.
Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation as forensic teams analyze evidence from the scene.
Tourist Hub in Shock
Crans-Montana is a high-end ski destination located in the Swiss Alps, around two hours from Bern. The resort attracts thousands of international visitors each winter, including a large number of British tourists.
The town features 87 miles of ski trails and regularly hosts major global sporting events. Later this month, it is scheduled to host a prestigious FIS World Cup speed skiing event.
The deadly blast has cast a dark shadow over the resort’s festive season.
Eyewitness Videos and Public Reaction
Unverified footage from outside the bar shows a fire burning inside the building as emergency sirens echo through the streets. Several guests were seen running for safety moments after the explosion.
Residents and tourists expressed shock and grief as news of the incident spread. Many described the scene as terrifying and unexpected in a town known for safety and luxury.
Police said rescue and investigation operations remain ongoing. Officials are focused on determining the exact cause of the explosion and assessing structural damage to nearby buildings.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been released. Authorities are expected to share more details as the investigation progresses.
