Around 40 Killed in Fire at Swiss Ski Resort New Year Party

At least 40 people have died and over 100 others were injured after a fire tore through a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Authorities reported the blaze occurred in the early hours of January 1, sending panicked partygoers fleeing into the street.

Police and firefighters arrived quickly at the scene, which is set to host the Ski World Cup later this month. Swiss police commander Frederic Gisler said around 115 people were injured, many seriously. Italian authorities reported several Italian citizens were among the victims, and French officials confirmed some French nationals were also affected.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with people attempting to break windows and escape the flames. Early reports suggested the fire may have been caused by sparklers used on champagne bottles as part of a bar display. Authorities emphasized that there was no indication of a deliberate attack.

Hospitals in Wallis and across Switzerland quickly filled with victims, with some transferred to specialized burn units in Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva. Swiss authorities are still working to identify the victims, a process that could take days or weeks due to the international nature of the resort.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident “one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced” and announced flags would fly at half-mast for five days. Vigils and memorial services have been held in Crans-Montana as families and locals mourn the victims.