A fire with several fatalities in one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps shocked Switzerland – and made headlines around the world.
Jan 1, 2026, 12:52 p.m01/01/2026, 1:05 p.m
The fatal fire on New Year’s Eve in Crans-Montana caused shock far beyond Switzerland. In the Valais winter sports resort, several people were killed and numerous others were injured in a fire in a nightclub. The exact circumstances of the fire remain the subject of investigations, but one thing is certain: the disaster occurred in the middle of one of the most famous ski and holiday resorts in the Alps – at a time when many international guests were staying there.
The international response is correspondingly great. Media around the world are reporting prominently on the events in Switzerland. From Europe to North America to Asia, major daily newspapers and news portals are devoting extensive reports to the fire, many of them on their home or front pages. It is repeatedly emphasized that Crans-Montana is considered an exclusive holiday resort that attracts large numbers of foreign tourists, especially over the holidays.
The reporting is characterized by bewilderment and compassion. International media are talking about one of the worst tragedies in a European winter sports resort in years. Comments and analyzes address the question of safety in nightlife and holiday infrastructure, as well as the strain on the rescue workers and hospitals who were in constant use on New Year’s Eve and in the hours that followed.
Numerous newspapers cite eyewitness reports, describe the large-scale helicopter operation and refer to the hotlines set up for relatives. At the same time, Switzerland is receiving many expressions of condolence from abroad – from politicians, but also from tourism associations and international organizations.
The Crans-Montana fire is therefore not just a national disaster, but an event that attracts worldwide attention. There is great sympathy – and with it the hope that the causes can be quickly clarified and lessons can be learned for the future.