Key Facts
• Fire broke out early January 1 at a restaurant in Crans-Montana ski resort, southern Switzerland.
• The restaurant was underground and hosted a New Year’s party with many young attendees.
• Approximately 40 people died; at least 115 were injured, many seriously.
• Swiss President Alain Berset called it “one of the worst disasters in Swiss history.”
• Many victims were young; some were foreign tourists.
• Identification of victims is difficult; no reports of Japanese nationals involved.
• Authorities consider the fire accidental; cause under investigation.
Summary
A devastating fire occurred in the early hours of January 1 at an underground restaurant in the Crans-Montana ski resort in southern Switzerland. The venue was crowded with young people celebrating the New Year. Local police reported about 40 fatalities and over 115 injuries, many severe. Swiss President Alain Berset described the incident as one of the worst disasters in the country’s history, noting that most victims were young. Foreign tourists were among the deceased, but victim identification remains challenging. There is no information indicating Japanese nationals were affected. Investigators currently treat the fire as an accident and are examining its cause. This tragedy has deeply impacted the local community and international visitors alike.
