At least 47 people were killed and over a hundred injured after a catastrophic fire erupted during New Year celebrations at a popular alpine ski resort in Switzerland. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on January 1 at the “Le Constellation” bar inside the luxury Alpine Resort in Crans-Montana, located in the Valais canton.

According to police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion, the bar was crowded with revelers welcoming the New Year when the blaze suddenly broke out. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the fire made rescue operations extremely challenging.

Valais police commander Frédéric Gissler stated during a press briefing that dozens of fatalities were feared, while Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud confirmed that the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities have ruled out terrorism or deliberate attacks at this stage.

The Swiss police have not yet released an official death toll, but Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed that approximately 47 people are believed to have died in the incident. Officials also noted that victims included foreign nationals, as the resort is a major tourist destination.

Eyewitness footage captured by a tourist from New York showed flames engulfing the bar, with people screaming and fleeing in panic amid thick smoke and darkness. Images published by Swiss media later revealed a building consumed by fire, surrounded by emergency responders.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over New Year celebrations across Europe, prompting renewed calls for stricter fire safety measures at crowded entertainment venues.