Overview
- The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana during a packed celebration.
- Authorities report several dozen presumed dead and roughly 100 to 115 injured, with many suffering severe burns.
- Investigators cite an accidental ignition and a flashover as the likely scenario, while witness accounts of sparklers or fireworks near champagne bottles remain unconfirmed.
- A large response deployed around 10 helicopters and 40 to 42 ambulances, overwhelming regional hospitals and prompting transfers to specialist burn units.
- The area is cordoned off with a no-fly zone as forensic teams work to identify victims and coordinate with foreign consulates, and national flags will fly at half-staff for five days.