What Caused the Deadly New Year Fire That Claimed 40 Lives at a Swiss Ski Resort Bar?

Crans-Montana: A tragic fire during New Year celebrations at a packed bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left around 40 people dead and more than 100 injured, turning a festive night into one of the country’s worst peacetime disasters in recent years.

According to preliminary findings and eyewitness accounts, the blaze appears to have been sparked accidentally when open flames from celebratory candles came into contact with the venue’s low, wooden ceiling. The fire erupted shortly after 1:30 am at a popular nightlife spot frequented by tourists celebrating the arrival of the new year.

Witnesses recalled that staff members were moving through the crowded bar holding champagne bottles decorated with lit candles—part of a celebration ritual. One such bottle was reportedly raised too close to the ceiling, which was lined with highly flammable wooden panels. Within moments, flames raced across the roof, triggering a rapid and uncontrollable fire spread.

Fire experts believe the incident involved a sudden “flashover,” a deadly phenomenon in which intense heat causes nearly all combustible material in an enclosed space to ignite almost simultaneously. Survivors said the fire expanded so quickly that many people had no time to react or locate exits.

Those who managed to escape described scenes of panic and confusion, with narrow stairways and exit routes becoming clogged as guests rushed to flee. Several victims suffered severe burns, while many others were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the speed of the fire proved devastating.

Initial speculation of an explosion was later dismissed by authorities, who clarified that no explosive device was involved. Officials explained that the intense heat and gas build-up inside the bar may have created explosive-like effects during the blaze. Police confirmed the incident was accidental and not linked to terrorism.

At the time of the fire, the bar was hosting over 100 people, many of them international visitors. Swiss authorities have launched a full investigation into safety practices at the venue, while efforts continue to identify victims and provide support to affected families.