Overview
- Smoke was reported around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Le Constellation in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, where the basement nightclub area filled with young revellers.
- Authorities report roughly 40 fatalities and about 100–115 injuries, with many in critical condition and transfers to specialist units across Switzerland.
- Officials ruled out a deliberate attack and said a flashover likely explains accounts of an explosion during the blaze.
- Witnesses described sparklers on champagne bottles igniting the ceiling; prosecutors have opened inquiries into the ignition source and whether exits and safety rules were met.
- Emergency crews mobilized about 10 helicopters and around 40 ambulances, foreign consular teams are assisting likely international victims, and formal identifications could take days or weeks.