'Worst tragedy': Swiss president on fire that killed 40 in bar fire; flags to fly at half-mast for 5 days

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the deadly fire at the bar in Crans-Montana that killed 40 and injured 115 as “one of the worst tragedies” the country has known.

A fire broke out shortly after midnight on Thursday during New Year celebrations at Le Constellation, a bar popular with international tourists. Swiss police said nearly 100 people were inside at the time of the blaze.


Speaking after the incident, Parmelin said authorities are investigating “the exact circumstances” of what happened. “We owe it to victims”, their families and all Swiss citizens, he said, as quoted by BBC.

He added that flags will be flown at half-mast for five days, stressing that a “tragedy of such a scale” must not happen again.

Asked by a journalist whether minors were among those who died, state councillor Stéphane Ganzer said he would not describe the victims as minors, but added, “You can imagine on New Year’s Eve that the population is quite young. We’re talking about a young festive population.”

Parmelin said the identification of victims needs to be completed as quickly as possible, but stressed the process is “extremely difficult work” and “is something that will last a long time.”

Parmelin thanked countries that offered support in the aftermath of the fire, pointing specifically to neighbouring France, Germany and Italy. He said communications are being established through foreign ministries with the families of foreign victims.

Earlier, Parmelin, who took office on January 1, wrote on X, “What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond. The Federal Council has taken note of this with deep dismay. Its thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families and it extends its deepest condolences.”

Authorities have cordoned off the area and imposed a no-fly zone as emergency operations continue. Around 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 responders were deployed to the scene. Officials said emergency operations will continue over the coming days.

Officials described the blaze as an “embrasement généralisé,” a firefighting term referring to a sudden and violent ignition caused by combustible gases, similar to what English-speaking firefighters call a flashover or backdraft.

Beatrice Pilloud, prosecutor-general of Valais canton, said “currently we are favouring a fire and at no time is there question of any attack,” adding that out of respect for the families she could not provide further details. Police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related.