The first day of 2026 was stained with blood in Switzerland, as a deadly explosion rocked the glamorous ski resort Crans-Montana during New Year's celebrations. Authorities speak of an unspeakable tragedy reaching nightmare proportions. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Swiss police estimate approximately 40 people were killed and 100 injured in an explosion that took place overnight at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort during the New Year's Eve festivities. The entire area is under military blockade.
Hellfire at Le Constellation: Over 100 people trapped
The explosion occurred around 01:30 a.m. local time at the popular Le Constellation Bar and Lounge while more than 100 patrons were celebrating the arrival of the new year. Eyewitnesses describe a deafening blast that leveled part of the building, followed by a massive fire. Videos on social media show giant columns of smoke choking the famous Alpine resort, while the screams of those trapped froze the blood of onlookers. During an emergency press conference, the police chief of the Valais canton, Frederic Gisler, shocked global public opinion with official data. Gisler spoke of "several dozen deaths" and over 100 injuries, confirming that initial estimates of 10 victims were unfortunately far too optimistic. The police chief emphasized that all the injured suffer from extremely serious trauma, primarily deep burns and respiratory problems from toxic fumes. Due to the vast number of victims, the country's entire health system has been mobilized.
Hospitals at capacity, flights prohibited
The situation is dramatic, with the Swiss air rescue service (REGA) fighting against time. The injured were rushed to specialized burn units in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich. The condition of many is described as critical, meaning the death toll may rise in the coming hours. "Hospitals are being overwhelmed by burn victims," a rescue service doctor told the RTS network, while reports from doctors at the scene speak of dozens of amputations and victims with severe burns. The Valais police have imposed a flight ban over Crans-Montana, while access to the municipality of the Sierre district has been completely cut off to facilitate the movement of ambulances and fire engines.
Fireworks or sabotage
Although police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion stated that the causes remain "unknown," initial unconfirmed reports point investigations in two directions. Witness reports speak of an explosion during a concert inside the bar, possibly triggered by the misuse of fireworks. Authorities are also examining the possibility of an explosion in gas installations due to high consumption during the festive event. Switzerland is in a state of shock, as this tragedy turned the idyllic Alpine resort into a bloodbath on the very first day of 2026. Official updates from the police are expected in the coming hours, while there are fears that the number of victims will increase dramatically. While the causes of the fire are still being investigated, reports of "several dozen" dead turn the festive night at Le Constellation into one of the darkest pages of the white European Alps.
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