Swiss police rule out terror as deadly fire ravages New Year party at Alps bar

Investigators stressed that while the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, there is no indication that the tragedy was linked to terrorism.

The clarification came amid widespread speculation following the scale of the disaster, which unfolded in the early hours of January 1 at Le Constellation, a popular bar in the Swiss Alps known for attracting large crowds of international tourists during the holiday season.

Fire breaks out during New Year celebrations

The fire erupted at around 1:30 am local time as revellers gathered to welcome the New Year.

According to Swiss police, more than 100 people were inside the bar when the blaze broke out, leading to scenes of chaos as patrons attempted to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Emergency services responded in force, deploying firefighters, ambulances and several helicopters to evacuate the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals.

Police officials said “several tens of people” are presumed dead, though exact casualty figures have not yet been confirmed due to the severity of burns suffered by many victims.

'Not a terrorist attack'

Addressing media concerns, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler said investigators had ruled out terrorism as a cause of the fire.

“It is not a terrorist attack,” police confirmed during a press conference, adding that it was still too early to determine what triggered the blaze.

Regional security officials echoed that assessment, emphasising that the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to the fire rather than any deliberate act of violence.

Swiss police have not announced any arrests or suspects linked to the incident.

Hospitals overwhelmed by burn victims

The scale of the tragedy quickly overwhelmed local medical facilities.

Regional councillor Mathias Renard said the intensive care unit and operating theatres at the nearest hospital reached full capacity within hours of the incident.

Most of the injured suffered severe burns, making identification and treatment particularly challenging.

Authorities confirmed that victims include people of multiple nationalities, reflecting Crans-Montana’s status as an internationally renowned ski destination during the festive season.

A hotline has been established for relatives seeking information about loved ones, as officials work to identify the deceased and injured.

Area sealed off, no-fly zone imposed

In the aftermath of the fire, the area around Le Constellation bar was completely sealed off to allow investigators and emergency crews to operate.

Swiss police also imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to facilitate helicopter evacuations and ensure public safety.

Unverified images and videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the bar, underscoring the intensity of the blaze.

Authorities urged the public to refrain from speculation and rely on official updates as the investigation continues.

Cause of fire still unknown

While terrorism has been ruled out, the cause of the fire remains unclear.

Swiss media reports suggested the blaze may have been triggered by pyrotechnics used during a concert inside the bar, but police said no conclusions have been reached.

Investigators are examining the building structure, safety measures and possible ignition sources.

Officials stressed that determining the exact cause will take time, particularly given the extent of the damage and the number of casualties.

Crans-Montana on edge after tragedy

Crans-Montana, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn, is a high-end ski resort town with a permanent population of around 10,000.

During peak holiday seasons, that number swells significantly with tourists.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in the coming days, warning that local medical resources remain under severe strain.

The municipality, formed in 2017 through the merger of several towns, spans from the Rhône Valley to the Plaine Morte glacier and sits at elevations nearing 3,000 metres.

Focus remains on rescue and answers

As Switzerland mourns one of its deadliest New Year tragedies in recent years, officials continue to emphasise that the incident was a fire-related disaster, not an act of terror.

Investigators say their priority remains identifying victims, supporting families and establishing how such a catastrophic blaze could occur at a crowded holiday venue.

For now, Swiss police insist that despite the horrific toll, there is no threat of terrorism linked to the Crans-Montana bar fire, even as the nation searches for answers.