Bern/Crans-Montana | January 2, 2026

The Indian Embassy in Switzerland has expressed profound grief over the devastating fire at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured several others during New Year celebrations.

In a statement on its official X handle, the embassy conveyed,

“Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and those injured. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Switzerland during this tough time.”

Fire Details

The tragedy occurred around 1:30 am inside the Le Constellation bar, a popular venue in the ski resort town, as revelers marked the New Year. Witnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the crowded bar in under two hours, leaving many trapped.

According to reports by BFMTV, the fire was reportedly triggered when a female bartender, standing on another bartender’s shoulders while holding a lit candle, accidentally ignited a blaze. A witness described the scene:

“Within a few seconds, the entire nightclub was engulfed in flames.”

Authorities have cordoned off the area, and efforts are ongoing to notify the families of the victims.

Cause and Investigation

While officials noted that it is still too early to determine the exact cause, investigators have ruled out any form of attack. Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais Canton Attorney General, confirmed,

“At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack. There are no suspects yet.”

The incident remains under investigation to establish the precise sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Official Responses

Swiss officials expressed their sorrow over the disaster. Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, wrote on X that the Federal Council has taken note of the “deep dismay” caused by the incident, extending thoughts to the families of those who lost their lives and to the injured.

About Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana is a well-known resort town nestled in the heart of the Alps, popular for its skiing slopes and festive New Year events. The region is typically bustling with tourists during the winter season, making the scale of the tragedy particularly severe.

The Indian Embassy’s statement reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Switzerland in this period of mourning, emphasizing support for both the victims and the authorities handling the disaster.

As investigations continue, officials are expected to provide further clarity on the causes and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.