Many feared dead as blast rips through New Year party in Swiss ski resort

Underground bar was packed and had just one narrow entrance and exit

Rescuers at the scene of a bar explosion in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 1, 2026. AFP

At least 10 people have died in an explosion at a ski resort town in Switzerland.

The blast, which occurred in a bar in Crans-Montana, happened in the early hours of New Year’s Day as revellers celebrated the arrival of 2026.

Regional news outlet Le Nouvelliste reported that as many as 40 people may have died, though this figure has not yet been confirmed by authorities.

The fire broke out ⁠at 1.30am in a bar called Le Constellation, police said. Swiss media said the blaze was caused by an explosion.

Local reports said the club was mostly underground, with a relatively narrow entrance and more than 100 people inside. Dozens of people are reported to have been injured.

The area has been completely cordoned off, and a no-fly zone has been imposed over Crans-Montana, police added, while the cause of the fire remains unclear.