CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — A devastating fire ripped through a nightclub at the popular Crans-Montana ski resort in the early hours of Thursday, leaving dozens dead and around a hundred injured, according to Swiss police.

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The blaze, described as “very violent,” broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time inside the Constellation bar, which was hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration. Frederic Gisler, commander of the Valais Cantonal Police, confirmed the grim toll at a press conference, stating, “There have been about a hundred injured who have been evacuated to different hospitals, and dozens of them may have died.”

Authorities have ruled out a terrorist attack or intentional act but urged the public to avoid speculation out of respect for the victims’ families. “It is too early” to determine the cause of the fire, officials stated, adding that there was no initial evidence of an explosion triggering the blaze.

One leading hypothesis under investigation is an accident involving pyrotechnics. Despite posted warnings from local authorities banning fireworks for New Year’s celebrations, witness accounts in local media suggest the fire may have started with “a flare placed in a champagne bottle.” The flames reportedly ignited the wooden ceiling of the basement and spread with extreme speed.

🔥 BREAKING 🔥

There has been a massive explosion & fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, around 1:30 AM on Jan 1, 2026,

Several people have been killed & many are injured. pic.twitter.com/r2aAQTrYpG

— Lozzy B 🇦🇺𝕏 (@TruthFairy131) January 1, 2026

Over 100 people were inside the venue at the time of the incident. A massive emergency response was deployed, including cantonal police, firefighters, and several helicopters. By early morning, the situation was declared under control, though the area remains cordoned off for investigation.

Given the international appeal of the Crans-Montana resort, Valais Chief Public Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud noted it is likely that victims are of various nationalities. The Constellation bar is known as a frequent hotspot for tourists.

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Investigators have called for “prudence,” emphasizing that the probe into the exact circumstances is ongoing and conclusive findings will take time.

-Thailand News (TN)