A fire at the Le Constellation ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve has killed at least 40 people and injured around 100, according to the Italian foreign ministry.
The blaze broke out shortly after midnight as hundreds of visitors celebrated the arrival of 2026. Witnesses reported that birthday sparklers, also described as “pyrotechnic devices in bottles,” may have ignited the fire, although authorities have not officially confirmed the cause.
Local police said the fire spread rapidly due to the resort’s wooden construction and narrow evacuation routes. Many guests struggled to escape, with some breaking windows to flee. One witness described hiding behind a table in the basement before managing to escape.
State Council President Mathias Reynard called the incident a “nightmare that cost the lives of many people,” while regional police commander Frédéric Gisler extended sympathy to victims and families.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed that consular support is available for British nationals affected.
Authorities have dismissed initial fears of a deliberate explosive, stating that the fire itself caused subsequent explosions. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
