Swiss authorities have ruled out any terror-related angle in the deadly explosion and fire that ripped through a luxury bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 40 people. Investigators say the focus remains on a fire-related incident, though the precise cause is yet to be determined.
Valais prosecutor-general Beatrice Pilloud said an investigation is under way to “identify the circumstances that led to this dramatic event,” according to the BBC. She underlined that, at this stage, there is “no question of an attack” and that authorities are prioritising sensitivity towards grieving families while the probe continues.
The blast occurred in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, where more than 150 people had gathered to welcome the New Year. The Italian Foreign Ministry, citing Swiss police, said at least 40 people were killed and around 100 others injured, many of them suffering severe burns. Police have so far described the death toll only as running into “tens”.
Valais cantonal police commander Frédéric Gisler said the process of identifying victims and notifying families would take time, describing the local community as “devastated”, the Associated Press reported.
Pilloud echoed those concerns, saying extensive forensic examinations are required. She added that the area would remain temporarily sealed to allow investigators to work and to ensure that victims’ remains can be returned to their families as swiftly as possible.
Witness accounts cited by French broadcaster BFMTV suggest the fire may have spread rapidly after a candle ignited the wooden ceiling, triggering what officials termed an “embrasement généralisé” — a sudden and intense flashover. While early media reports speculated about fireworks, police have stressed that the exact cause has not yet been established. Police spokesman Gaetan Lathion told AFP that the explosion was of “unknown origin”.
Emergency response teams were quickly stretched as helicopters and ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Regional authorities said intensive care units and operating theatres were soon operating at full capacity. A helpline has been set up for relatives, and a temporary no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana.
The incident comes at a time when Switzerland has experienced prolonged dry spells and an increase in fire-related incidents in recent years. Official data shows that between 2001 and 2024, more than 3 per cent of the country’s forest cover was lost to fires.
Crans-Montana, a major international tourist destination in the Swiss Alps located about two hours from Bern, is known for hosting winter sports and golf events. Officials have urged caution in the coming days as medical services remain under strain.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences in a social media post, saying the government’s “thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families”. He also announced that his traditional New Year address had been postponed as a mark of respect, according to Swiss broadcasters.