Mourners hold vigil for victims of New Year's Eve fire at Swiss ski resort

Mourners hold a vigil at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on Jan. 1, 2026 less than 24 hours after around 40 people were killed and 115 injured when a fire ripped through a crowded bar during a New Year's Eve party.

Police said the fire broke out at 1:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) as revelers were celebrating in a bar called Le Constellation in the resort in southwestern Switzerland, which locals said was popular with teenagers.

The cause of the blaze, which was initially reported as an explosion, remained unclear but authorities said the fire appeared to be an accident rather than an attack.

Hundreds of people paid their respects to the victims at the top of the road in front of the scene.

Dozens left flowers and candles on a makeshift altar in front of the police cordon as a large crowd stood in silence in the frosty night.

REUTERS