BERN: A devastating explosion followed by a fierce blaze ripped through the popular Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year festivities, according to early reports from Swiss broadcaster RTS on Thursday.
Local police in Valais canton (known as Wallis in German-speaking regions) confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries but have not yet provided exact figures.
Rescue operations continue at the scene, with numerous ambulances on the ground and Air-Glaciers helicopters assisting in evacuations and medical transports.
Authorities have established a dedicated hotline for concerned families and plan to brief the media at 10:00 am local time.
Police spokesman Gaetan Lathion told AFP that the blast, of still-unknown cause, struck around 1:30 am (0030 GMT) while crowds were celebrating inside the tourist-favored venue in southwestern Switzerland.
He reported several people injured and killed, adding that emergency response efforts remain active.
The transition from 2025 to 2026 was overshadowed by a tragic explosion at the Le Constellation bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana.
The blast, of unknown origin, occurred around 1:30 am on January 1, 2026, amid New Year’s celebrations, ripping through the popular tourist venue and triggering a massive fire.
Swiss police in Valais canton confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries, with emergency services deploying ambulances and helicopters for ongoing rescue operations.
Authorities established a family helpline and scheduled a press conference, while investigations into the cause continued.
Elsewhere, global New Year’s Eve festivities proceeded with heightened security and some cancellations due to prior threats or tragedies, but no other major devastating incidents were reported on the night itself.
Celebrations in cities like Sydney, New York, and Las Vegas featured fireworks and large crowds without disruption, though many events worldwide had been scaled back in response to earlier 2025 events such as terror attacks, foiled plots, and natural disasters.
