Tragedy in Crans-Montana
On 1 January 2026, a fire broke out in a bar in Crans-Montana in the canton of Valais; 41 people died and another 115 were injured, many of them seriously. The victims included numerous foreign nationals.
Solidarity contribution
The Federal Council and Parliament want to provide 50,000 francs for each fire victim. The emergency federal act took effect on 21 March.
Additional information
Press releases (not always available in English)
Solidaritätsbeitrag sowie Unterstützung für aussergerichtliche Vergleichslösung und Kantone
Bern, 25.02.2026 - The Swiss government is proposing CHF 50,000 as a federal contribution for each critically-injured victim and for the families of each person killed in the Crans-Montana fire. It has asked Parliament to approve the funds. (Press release in DE/FR/IT)
Le Conseil fédéral prévoit une contribution de solidarité pour les victimes et leurs proches
Bern, 11.02.2026 - The Federal Council wants to make a solidarity contribution to the fire victims and their families. By the end of February, a dispatch on an urgent federal law will be drafted. (Press release in DE/FR/IT)
Memorial ceremony for the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana
Martigny, 09.01.2026 - In Martigny (VS) there was a memorial ceremony for the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana which occurred on 1 January 2026. Mr Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, gave a speech.
National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana
Bern, 07.01.2026 — This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected.
Tragedy in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana, 01.01.2026 - The Federal Council is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred in Crans-Montana (canton of Valais) on January 1, 2026. It extends its deepest condolences to the victims, the injured, and their loved ones.
Book of condolences for the victims of the tragedy that occurred in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026.