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Deadly Fire Erupts at Swiss Bar During New Year's Celebration

Published January 1, 2026, 16:13
Deadly Fire Erupts at Swiss Bar During New Year's Celebration

A devastating fire broke out at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during a New Year's Eve party, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, many of them severe. Videos circulating on social media capture the initial moments of the blaze, showing flames engulfing the roof and patrons attempting to escape. Authorities are investigating the incident as an accident, ruling out terrorism. Witness accounts suggest the fire originated when a waiter, while dancing on a colleague's shoulders, held a lit firecracker too close to the ceiling. Other eyewitnesses describe the panic and crowding on the narrow exit staircase. The fire started in the basement of the bar, hindering the timely evacuation of the patrons. Firefighters struggled to contain the rapid spread of the fire, as the area filled with screams and cries. The tragedy has plunged the ski resort into mourning and shocked the local community. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and clarify any potential shortcomings in the bar's fire safety measures. The fire broke out around 1:30 AM local time on January 1st. Authorities have initiated procedures to provide assistance to the injured and the families of the victims. The area remains in a state of emergency, as residents grapple with the aftermath of the deadly fire.