Overview
- The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a packed venue in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations.
- Authorities report a provisional toll of roughly 40 dead and about 115 injured, many critically, with identification of victims ongoing.
- Police have opened a judicial inquiry for incendie, secured the scene, and imposed restrictions around the area to support forensic work.
- Witnesses describe celebratory pyrotechnic sparklers on bottles igniting the ceiling, though the precise cause has not been determined.
- A large rescue operation deployed about 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances as Valais hospitals reached capacity, prompting transfers to Lausanne, Geneva, Zurich and some to France, with consular aid and a family assistance center in place.