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Three Jewish people feared missing or dead in Swiss ski resort fire
The bar where the fire broke out was located in the same building complex as the resort's synagogue
January 2, 2026 15:35
The bar where the fire broke out was located in the same building complex as the resort's synagogue
January 2, 2026 15:35Three Jewish people are feared missing or dead in the wake of the deadly blaze that ripped through a bar at a Swiss ski resort.
Authorities have confirmed at least 47 people died and 115 were injured after the inferno broke out during a New Year party at Le Constellation, a nightspot in the Crans-Montana resort. The bar is located in the same building complex as the resort's synagogue.
Several members of the Jewish community are believed to be among the injured, according to the Chabad-run community website Anash.org, while Israeli volunteer organisation Zaka said it had dispatched a special delegation to assist in the search for three missing Jews.
The humanitarian organisation, which provides emergency response, rescue and recovery operations around the world, has sent volunteers to the scene.
"Following the severe disaster at the Crans-Montana ski area in Switzerland, in which dozens of people were killed and more than one hundred were injured, reports have been received regarding three missing Jewish individuals who have not yet been located,” Zaka said in a statement.
“Teams from Zaka’s international unit who live in the region are now making their way to the scene in order to assist in locating the missing and with whatever is needed, in coordination with local authorities and the Jewish community.
“In parallel, specialised logistical equipment from the organisation is being sent to the field on the next flight, as part of an overall preparedness effort to support continued operations at the scene.”
Members of the local Chabad movement have also rushed to help. Rabbi Yitzchak Levi Pevzner, a Chabad emissary in Crans-Montana recounted how he did attempted to assist community members and residents at an emergency centre.
Describing the breakout of the fire, Pevzner said: “We heard a huge explosion at night and immediately understood that something terrible had happened.
“Within a short time, the streets were filled with people, ambulances and rescue forces. It is a terrible disaster.”
“I’ve been receiving calls and messages from residents and friends in the community, asking how we are and hoping for good news.”
The rabbi continued: “We all mobilised and came here to help in any way possible.
“We pray for all the victims and stand alongside their families, offering them all the support they need during these difficult times.”
Among the world leaders to have sent their condolences to those affected by the tragedy is Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He also offered to provide expert help in locating and identifying the victims.
In a conversation with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, he said that Israel has “experience and advanced capabilities” that it has honed over the years “in the fields of locating and identifying victims of fires, as well as in the treatment of burn victims in fire-related incidents,” according to Herzog’s office.
Herzog wrote on X: “We are praying for all those injured and the emergency services operating at the scene. I extend a message of strong support to President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation, the Swiss government, the people of Switzerland, and all those nations affected by this horrific disaster.”
Initial concerns that the fire could have been an attack on the local Jewish community have been officially ruled out.
Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor-general for the canton of Valais, which covers Crans-Montana, said an investigation is underway "to identify the circumstances which caused this dramatic situation to occur".
She added: “Currently we are favouring a fire and at no time is there question of any attack.”.
The most likely cause appears to be a sparkler in a bottle of champagne being held aloft by a member of staff.
A survivor named only as Victoria told French broadcaster BFM: “It was firework candles inside a champagne bottle that caused the explosion. The entire ceiling of the bar caught fire.”
A mainly young crowd of around 200 revellers was in the bar when the fire broke out at 1.30 on New Year’s Day morning.
Another party-goer said: “We saw people smashing windows, running and screaming. Parents were racing up in their cars. It was like a horror movie.”
Families face an agonising wait to find out what happened to their loved ones as Swiss authorities warned it could be days before they can name all the victims.
Mathias Reynard, head of government of Valais, said dental and DNA samples were being examined.
“All this work needs to be done because the information is so terrible and sensitive that nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100 percent sure."
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response.”
He added the situation would continue to be monitored with consular staff on standby to support any British nationals affected.
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