Switzerland - "Several dozen" dead and about 100 injured in explosion in bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss ski resort, 1 January 2026

[Rikissa]

This is horrifying. Sadly the death toll is likely to slowly rise as more of those folk die from complications caused by the initial burns. The skin is our largest organ, and while severe burns are often fatal, it can be a horribly slow death over days, weeks or even months

• Burn shock
• Severe infection / Sepsis
• Respiratory Failure
• Multi organ failure
• Systemic inflammatory response / Cytokine storm

Indeed. Things may not be much better for the survivors. Imagine having to tell a 17-year old girl that she only has half a face and her hands don't work.

It takes a long time to heal from burn injuries, especially with deeper, third degree burns. I worked once at a hospital with a burn ICU unit, and sometimes aided with typing their case records. The patients had to be sedated when they changed dressings, and many patients where there for several months. In 1998 there were a fire at a youth discothèque in Gothenburg (arson), and many young people were seriously injured.

 

[detective.moon]

“The fire is one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known,” said Swiss President Parmelin at a press conference. For five days, the flags at the Federal Palace in Bern will fly at half-mast to commemorate the victims.

[…]

The authorities are working hard on the identification of the victims, but the process is complicated due to the severe burns suffered by the victims. It may take weeks before everyone has been identified.

[…]

Many of the victims are young people.

[…]

Meanwhile, hospitals in the area are overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Some victims have been transferred to other healthcare facilities, such as burn centers in Zurich and Lausanne.

Hospitals in other countries, including the Netherlands, have offered their assistance. It is likely that some patients will be transferred there. How many and to which countries is not yet known.

[…]

Bar Le Constellation is located in the Crans-Montana ski resort, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The bar is known as a place where young people—teenagers and those in their early twenties—come to party.

The top floor has TV screens where visitors can watch sports. Downstairs is the bar area, where people often dance at night, and outside is a small terrace. The building could hold up to 300 people, but it is unclear whether it was completely full. That is likely, however, because it was New Year's Eve and because it is now high season.

Crans-Montana itself is located in the canton of Valais in the Swiss Alps. It is known as a luxury ski resort, but is also famous for its luxury shops and après-ski parties.

(translated from a dutch article)

Circa 40 doden en 115 gewonden in bar Zwitserland, 'een van de ergste tragedies in ons land'

De brand brak vannacht rond 01.30 uur uit in de bar Le Constellation, in het skiresort Crans-Montana.

nos.nl

 

[MelmothTheLost]

Switzerland is not in EU.

Norms in European Union are strict:

In practice, Switzerland, like Norway, adheres to the vast majority of EU norms and regulations as part of the quid pro quo for being in the single market, Schengen and so on.

The UK maintains at least an equivalent regime for licencing and inspecting entertainment premises to that in the EU.

 

[Sarahlou]

Switzerland is not in EU.

Norms in European Union are strict:

"Standard rigors for clubs and venues:

Club owners must meet the so-called
'seven-layer security model'
promoted by the EU:

- Occupancy limits:
Strictly adhere to the allowed number of guests to avoid panic.

- Escape routes:
Must be unobstructed at all times, emergency lit and clearly marked in accordance with ISO/EN standards.

- Active systems:
Mandatory inspections of fire extinguishers, hydrants and smoke removal systems
(often required to update the instructions every 2 years).

- Staff training:
Employees must undergo regular training in evacuation and the use of firefighting equipment."

From my country belonging to European Union:

Solid Security

Solid Security działa na polskim rynku od 1991r. Świadczymy usługi w zakresie ochrony stacjonarnej, monitoringu i systemów alarmowych. Zapraszamy!

solidsecurity.pl

Switzerland does use EN standards though. It's not just for EU countries.

What is a standard? - SNV

Standards are voluntary rules developed by experts for almost all areas of modern economic and everyday life. ►Learn more

www.snv.ch

Massive failings here. This was totally preventable.

 

[Dotta]

Switzerland does use EN standards though. It's not just for EU countries.

What is a standard? - SNV

Standards are voluntary rules developed by experts for almost all areas of modern economic and everyday life. ►Learn more

www.snv.ch

Massive failings here. This was totally preventable.

I CANNOT see ANY standards here.
Sorry.

Even a child knows that flammable materials are asking for BIG trouble

Let's be serious.

JMO

To add
I have a friend who works in a club in my city.
They have CONSTANT inspections.
Constant trainings - as do I as a teacher in my school.
Every piece of wood and other material is covered with anti-flammable substances.
Not no mention EMERGENCY exits which are several - well lit and wide.
Everybody CAN see them.

And guess what??
It isn't "luxury" club.
Just an ordinary place for the young.

There are STANDARDS to be followed if one wants to open a club or other public venue.

JMO again

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Were they violating (ETA: local) safety codes/laws with use of these sparklers in that building?

If not, you have to wonder why this was considered an acceptable level of risk and was legal, IMO.

It's horribly sad that these preventable fires keep happening around the world.

 

[NuttMegg]

Were they violating (ETA: local) safety codes/laws with use of these sparklers in that building?

If not, you have to wonder why this was considered an acceptable level of risk and was legal, IMO.

It's horribly sad that these preventable fires keep happening around the world.

Not referring to EU or even particularly Switzerland. But I spent a lot of time in tourism let's say south of the border in this hemisphere. There is a frenzy at the height of tourist season, especially when the rest of the year will provide no income at all, probably unemployment.

And, officials look the other way, there is always someone else to take to court.

 

[ChatteringBirds]

There is a frenzy at the height of tourist season, especially when the rest of the year will provide no income at all, probably unemployment.

I understand, but they could create the same sense of revelry without risking a fire. Put up some flashing lights, the right music, fancy -looking drinks, etc.

 

[detective.moon]

fireworks were actually banned in the whole of crans-montana during NYE, but according to an article i read today there was still a lot of it on the streets.

Fireworks strictly prohibited in Crans-Montana, Lens and Icogne

Fireworks strictly prohibited in Crans-Montana, Lens and Icogne

www.crans-montana.ch

this statement about a fireworks ban was posted on the crans montana tourism website on the 30th. i imagine they were mostly thinking about fireworks outside, because who thinks fireworks inside are ever a good idea?

Due to the lack of rainfall for more than a month, the risk of fire is currently extremely high. In response, the municipalities of Crans-Montana, Lens and Icogne have decided to introduce an immediate ban on all fireworks, including on New Year's Eve. Only fireworks authorised by the cantonal police are exempt.

Every year, fireworks cause fires in vegetation and on embankments. Despite increased surveillance on New Year's Eve night, the risk remains too great. Residents and visitors are therefore required to comply fully with this ban.

Anyone who fails to do so acts under their own responsibility. In the event of a fire, those responsible will be held liable for all resulting damage.

If you notice smoke or a fire outbreak, you must immediately alert the fire brigade by calling 118.

A festive and friendly new year celebration, without fireworks​

Despite the ban, New Year's Eve can still be celebrated in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many bars, restaurants and venues across the region are hosting special new year events, with festive menus, music and entertainment. A large public celebration will also take place on Place Victoria, featuring two DJs and a selection of food and drink stalls.

We wish you a wonderful New Year's Eve!

 

[Dotta]

I understand, but they could create the same sense of revelry without risking a fire. Put up some flashing lights, the right music, fancy -looking drinks, etc.

To tell the truth
I'm so paranoid about fires,
that I forbade to light candles at home.
HA!
I don't get why people use aromatic candles at home - they inhale toxic fumes and there is always a risk of fire.
Aaaaargh

This tragedy is absolutely horrific!!!

JMO

 

[NuttMegg]

I understand, but they could create the same sense of revelry without risking a fire. Put up some flashing lights, the right music, fancy -looking drinks, etc.

Oh it was a terrible accident waiting to happen. Not making excuses, just making a "why" guess. If there was an adjacent patio with doors locked, well a lot of people could have been saved. But how high was the patio. The exit seems like a nightmare, thrre is a video on twitter showing how the stairs were plugged, and some ppl were trying to get through the bannisters, or side walls to pass the jam.

I said my first reaction was surprise that it was Switzerland because I dealt mostly with Europeans and the Swiss had the best gear, explained their wonderful health system, and generally seemed wealthy, followed tourism rules where to legally walk while viewing nature etc.

 

[MelmothTheLost]

Not referring to EU or even particularly Switzerland. But I spent a lot of time in tourism let's say south of the border in this hemisphere. There is a frenzy at the height of tourist season, especially when the rest of the year will provide no income at all, probably unemployment.

And, officials look the other way, there is always someone else to take to court.

There's almost certainly going to be a massive investigation and inquiry into this fire which should reveal a lot of information about the owner of the bar, its physical condition and how recently its interiors were updated and modernised, who was responsible for inspecting the fabric of the building and its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements etc. If anything dodgy was going on we should get to hear about it in due course.

 

[MelmothTheLost]

The BBC's live feed reports that:

• 8 French citizens are currently unaccounted for; and
• Patients as young as 15 being treated for severe, sometimes internal, burns.

Switzerland ski fire latest: Around 40 people confirmed dead and 115 injured

Many young people are believed to be among the victims; one student tells the BBC he arrived at the bar expecting to celebrate, only to find a scene of chaos.

www.bbc.co.uk

I imagine that the internal burns are to the lungs due to inhaling hot gases.

 

[Dotta]

DBM

 

[NuttMegg]

There was someone who was in charge of monitoring the staff, probably specified in an employment contract. IF IT'S TRUE that an employee was walking around with someone on their shoulders with sparklers or candles, blame could trickle down in that manner. To a person who doesn't have deep pockets. I hate to sound pessimistic, just that there is always someone down the totem pole to blame.

 

[NuttMegg]

Why would 15 year old teens be admitted? No bouncer? Or are there rules that youngsters can enter but not drink?

 

[Sarahlou]

Why would 15 year old teens be admitted? No bouncer? Or are there rules that youngsters can enter but not drink?

I only had a quick look but it seems under 16s can enter a bar if they are with an adult.

16 year olds can legally buy beer and wine.

 

[Serononin]

Why would 15 year old teens be admitted? No bouncer? Or are there rules that youngsters can enter but not drink?

They may not have been there 'officially', so to speak. I never did it myself, but I know plenty of people here in the UK who successfully got into clubs when they were under 18

 

[detective.moon]

Why would 15 year old teens be admitted? No bouncer? Or are there rules that youngsters can enter but not drink?

there was an italian article in this thread that mentioned an under 17 party happening at the bar that night!

but i also think (unless things have changed since my youth) teens would be able to enter bars like this without it being an under 17 party

 

[Yellowbelly]

"47 dead in Swiss deathtrap.

A Swiss nightclub
where at least 47 people were killed and 115 injured
had been rated just 6.5 out of 10 for safety,
with a combination of flammable interiors
and limited escape routes
now emerging as key factors in the deadly blaze.

The basement venue, Le Constellation in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana,
was fitted with wooden furnishings
and foam-style ceiling material
and had only one narrow staircase for revellers trying to escape.

Investigators said the fire rapidly intensified into a flashover,
when extreme heat caused everything inside the enclosed space to ignite almost at once,
leaving people little chance to flee."

Deadly fire in Swiss club with 6.5/10 for safety where 47 died

The basement venue, Le Constellation in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, was fitted with wooden furnishings and foam-style ceiling material and had only one narrow staircase.

www.dailymail.co.uk

IMO
It is very important to be careful what kind of place we set foot into.
Mind your safety folks.
JMO

We were right about the foam, then. Anyway, these are the current Swiss fire regulations, if anybody feels like wading through them.

Vorschriften 2015

Die Schweizerischen VKF-Brandschutzvorschriften bestehen aus der VKF-Brandschutznorm und den VKF-Brandschutzrichtlinien. Sie wurden durch das Interkantonale Organ Technische Handelshemmnisse IOTH als verbindlich erklärt und in Kraft gesetzt.

www.bsvonline.ch