01 January,2026 02:58 PM IST | Geneva | mid-day online correspondent
Police officers are seen at the site of an explosion that ripped through a bar in Crans-Montana on Thursday. PIC/AFP
A powerful explosion triggered a major fire at a bar in Switzerland overnight, leaving "several injured and dead" and putting severe pressure on hospitals treating burn victims, news agency ANI reported, quoting Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF). The incident comes just weeks ahead of the World Economic Forum's 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The blast occurred at around 1.30 am, Valais Police Spokesperson Gaetan Lathion told the Keystone-SDA news agency. He said the cause of the explosion is still "unknown". According to Lathion, more than 100 people were present inside the restaurant at the time, highlighting the scale of the emergency that unfolded in the early hours of the morning.
Emergency services rushed to the site soon after the explosion, as authorities worked to evacuate people trapped inside the building.
Given the high number of casualties, officials have set up a helpline for families and relatives of those affected. The helpline can be reached at the telephone number "084 811 21 17".
The impact of the incident was felt well beyond Crans-Montana. A doctor from the Rega air rescue service told French-language broadcaster RTS that hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland were struggling to cope with a sudden influx of patients suffering from severe burns. The doctor appealed to the public to show solidarity and avoid risky activities on January 1, in order to ease the burden on emergency medical services.
As rescue operations continued, visuals circulating on social media - reportedly filmed from outside the Constellation Bar - showed flames raging inside the building as firefighters and other emergency responders converged on the scene. The footage also captured numerous emergency vehicles arriving one after another.
A witness told the broadcaster that "countless" ambulances, along with several helicopters, were deployed to evacuate and transport the injured, underlining the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the blast and fire.
While Swiss news outlet Blick reported that the fire may have been triggered by fireworks during a New Year's Eve concert, Swiss police have reiterated that the cause of the explosion remains "unknown".
SRF reported that the Valais Cantonal Police have scheduled a press conference at 10 am to share further details on the incident and the ongoing investigation.
The incident occurred in Crans-Montana, an upscale ski resort town located around two hours from Switzerland's capital, Bern.
(With ANI inputs)
