A deadly explosion ripped through a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing several people and leaving many others injured.
The blast, which occurred shortly after midnight on 1 January 2026, has shocked the local community and raised concerns for international tourists, including visitors from the UK.
Emergency services remain on site as Swiss authorities continue a fast-moving investigation into what caused the explosion.
What exactly happened in Crans-Montana?
The explosion occurred at around 1:30am local time (12:30am GMT) at Le Constellation Bar, a well-known venue popular with tourists in the Valais canton of south-western Switzerland. The bar was reportedly busy as revellers welcomed the new year.
Valais cantonal police confirmed the incident in the early hours of the morning.
Crans Montana pic.twitter.com/bHwLSDN7Mb
— NIO Investor (@NIOSwitzerland) January 1, 2026
Police spokesman Gaetan Lathion said in a briefing: “There has been an explosion of unknown origin. There are several injured, and several dead. The intervention is still ongoing.”
Authorities believe that more than 100 people may have been inside the bar at the time, though this figure is still being verified.
How severe are the casualties?
As of the latest official update on 1 January 2026, police have not released confirmed numbers for fatalities or injuries. This delay, they say, is to allow time for formal identification and for families to be informed.
What has been confirmed is that the incident resulted in multiple deaths and a significant number of serious injuries, with some casualties requiring urgent airlift to the hospital.
Medical teams worked through the night in freezing conditions to stabilise victims at the scene.
What did witnesses see?
Eyewitnesses described a sudden blast followed by fire and heavy smoke engulfing the building. Several people reported being thrown to the ground by the force of the explosion, while others struggled to escape as flames spread.
Tourists staying nearby spoke of a large-scale emergency response, with ambulances lining the streets and rescue helicopters landing close to the resort.
Footage shared on social media, now being verified by authorities, shows the bar ablaze as emergency crews work to control the fire.
Do police know what caused the explosion?
At this stage, the cause of the explosion remains unknown. Investigators are examining several possibilities, including an accidental gas explosion or a fireworks-related incident linked to New Year’s celebrations.
Swiss police have been clear that there is no evidence so far of terrorism or deliberate criminal intent.
Officers have urged the public, particularly on social media, to avoid speculation while forensic teams continue their work. A detailed police press conference is expected later today.
Why does this matter to UK travellers?
Crans-Montana is a well-known destination for British skiers and holidaymakers, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort offers extensive ski runs, luxury accommodation and a busy après-ski scene, attracting thousands of international visitors each winter.
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/tm19yk2Jol
— Dwarka Daiya (@daiya_dwarka) January 1, 2026
The area was also preparing to host a FIS World Cup speed skiing event later in January, underlining its global profile. UK tour operators regularly run seasonal trips to the resort, meaning British nationals could be among those affected.
Is it safe to travel to Crans-Montana now?
While the resort itself has not been shut down, police have cordoned off the immediate area around the bar. Visitors have been asked to avoid the site while investigations and safety checks continue.
UK travellers currently in the resort or due to travel shortly should monitor guidance from airlines, tour operators and official Swiss and UK government channels.
