Showing posts with label Switzerland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Switzerland. Show all posts
Friday, January 02, 2026
Swiss Ski Resort Fire: Champagne Sparklers Likely Caused Deadly Tragedy, Officials Say
‘Horrific’ Ski Resort Fire: Police Struggle to Identify Bodies of Dozens Killed
Jan 2, 2026 | “With third degree burns over so many bodies, in some cases they’re going to need to provide DNA samples just to find out who is who.”
Investigators have warned families they may have a long wait before formal identification takes place after dozens of people died in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, explains journalist Alan Friedman.
Investigators have warned families they may have a long wait before formal identification takes place after dozens of people died in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, explains journalist Alan Friedman.
How a Fire Ripped Through a Swiss Bar and Broke a Village’s Heart
THE NEW YORK TIMES: It was a haven for the young, where they could find hot chocolate when they wanted quiet and affordable drinks when they did not. Then it turned into a place of death.
When Bruno Martins headed through the streets of his Swiss mountain village after midnight on New Year’s Day, he expected to meet old friends celebrating in one of their favorite haunts.
Instead, Mr. Martins, 17, arrived at Le Constellation, a two-story bar popular with the village’s younger residents, to find it in flames, and surrounded by police officers. A scrum of people were trying to escape the blaze, he said. One of his friends was badly burned and sent to hospital. Others were missing, he said.
“It was total panic, people were trampling each other,” Mr. Martins said in an interview. “It’s not real,” he recalled thinking. “It’s a bar we know so well.”
The blaze, which Switzerland’s president called one of the worst disasters in Swiss history, tore through the bar, trapping many of its customers inside, killing around 40 people, and leaving the resort village of Crans-Montana in a state of shock. » | Ségolène Le Stradic | Photographs by Til Bürgy | Reporting from Crans-Montana, Switzerland | Published: Thursday, January 1, 2026. Updated: Friday, January 2, 2026
When Bruno Martins headed through the streets of his Swiss mountain village after midnight on New Year’s Day, he expected to meet old friends celebrating in one of their favorite haunts.
Instead, Mr. Martins, 17, arrived at Le Constellation, a two-story bar popular with the village’s younger residents, to find it in flames, and surrounded by police officers. A scrum of people were trying to escape the blaze, he said. One of his friends was badly burned and sent to hospital. Others were missing, he said.
“It was total panic, people were trampling each other,” Mr. Martins said in an interview. “It’s not real,” he recalled thinking. “It’s a bar we know so well.”
The blaze, which Switzerland’s president called one of the worst disasters in Swiss history, tore through the bar, trapping many of its customers inside, killing around 40 people, and leaving the resort village of Crans-Montana in a state of shock. » | Ségolène Le Stradic | Photographs by Til Bürgy | Reporting from Crans-Montana, Switzerland | Published: Thursday, January 1, 2026. Updated: Friday, January 2, 2026
Thursday, January 01, 2026
Swiss Fire Horror - Claims Fireworks Set Ceiling Ablaze - Around 40 Dead and 115 Injured | BBC News
Around 40 people are known to have been killed and 115 injured in the fire that tore through a packed Swiss bar filled with New Year revellers. The blaze began at around 0130 local time at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, high in the Alps in south-west Switzerland. The region is a tourist and skiing destination popular with visitors from across the Europe and beyond.
60 survivors are being treated at hospital in the nearby town of Sion. Others have been transferred to hospitals in other Swiss cities. A doctor at Geneva University Hospitals said patients are suffering from severe, third degree burns and the effects of breathing in smoke. He said many of the patients were "very young... between 15 and 25 years old". A significant number of those injured are in a critical condition.
Some witnesses have said that birthday candles or flares carried on top of champagne bottle set fire to the ceiling, starting the blaze. Videos show fire spreading quickly across the bar’s dimly-lit ceiling. However the Swiss Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the cause of the blaze was not yet confirmed. She said teams were working to establish answers as quickly as possible. The authorities have ruled out a deliberate attack.
Neighbouring countries Italy and France - as well as the European Union - are providing medical support including the use of hospital burns units. The French foreign ministry has said eight of its citizens remain missing following the fire. Three Italian citizens have been transferred to hospital in Milan while two others in critical condition are being treated in Switzerland.
Survivors have been describing desperate scenes as people trapped inside the building tried to escape the inferno. One man described how he managed to break a window and escape with much of his clothing burned away. The Swiss President Guy Parmelin said the fire was “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Rainsford and Silvia Costeloe.
60 survivors are being treated at hospital in the nearby town of Sion. Others have been transferred to hospitals in other Swiss cities. A doctor at Geneva University Hospitals said patients are suffering from severe, third degree burns and the effects of breathing in smoke. He said many of the patients were "very young... between 15 and 25 years old". A significant number of those injured are in a critical condition.
Some witnesses have said that birthday candles or flares carried on top of champagne bottle set fire to the ceiling, starting the blaze. Videos show fire spreading quickly across the bar’s dimly-lit ceiling. However the Swiss Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the cause of the blaze was not yet confirmed. She said teams were working to establish answers as quickly as possible. The authorities have ruled out a deliberate attack.
Neighbouring countries Italy and France - as well as the European Union - are providing medical support including the use of hospital burns units. The French foreign ministry has said eight of its citizens remain missing following the fire. Three Italian citizens have been transferred to hospital in Milan while two others in critical condition are being treated in Switzerland.
Survivors have been describing desperate scenes as people trapped inside the building tried to escape the inferno. One man described how he managed to break a window and escape with much of his clothing burned away. The Swiss President Guy Parmelin said the fire was “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Rainsford and Silvia Costeloe.
Swiss Authorities Confirm around 40 Dead in Ski Resort Tragedy, Many of Whom Were Youth | DW News
Dozens Confirmed Dead in Fire at New Year’s Party in Swiss Alps
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The local police said that their preliminary toll was about 40 dead, with roughly 115 injured, in the early morning blaze at a bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana .
About 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured, many gravely, in a fire in a bar at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps during a New Year’s celebration on Thursday. The Swiss president said it was “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced.”
The blaze broke out in the early morning hours at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, in the canton of Valais. Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the fire and an explosion that followed, but ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.
“We have no suspects,” said Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor general for the region. “An investigation has been launched — not against anyone, but to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic fire.”
Many of the victims were young people who had gathered to celebrate the New Year. “This tragedy occurred in a place that is naturally associated with life and joy,” said President Guy Parmelin, who postponed a scheduled New Year’s address to travel to the scene.
The authorities said they were working to identify the dead and return their remains to their families. They were also interviewing witnesses and planned to analyze cellphones that were left at the scene, a prosecutor said. Live Updates » | Christopher F. Schuetze, Aurelien Breeden and John Yoon | Thursday, January 1, 2026
About 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured, many gravely, in a fire in a bar at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps during a New Year’s celebration on Thursday. The Swiss president said it was “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced.”
The blaze broke out in the early morning hours at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, in the canton of Valais. Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the fire and an explosion that followed, but ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.
“We have no suspects,” said Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor general for the region. “An investigation has been launched — not against anyone, but to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic fire.”
Many of the victims were young people who had gathered to celebrate the New Year. “This tragedy occurred in a place that is naturally associated with life and joy,” said President Guy Parmelin, who postponed a scheduled New Year’s address to travel to the scene.
The authorities said they were working to identify the dead and return their remains to their families. They were also interviewing witnesses and planned to analyze cellphones that were left at the scene, a prosecutor said. Live Updates » | Christopher F. Schuetze, Aurelien Breeden and John Yoon | Thursday, January 1, 2026
'Several Dozens' Believed Killed in Fire at Swiss Ski Resort Bar, Say Authorities | BBC News
Jan 1, 2026 | "Several dozens" are presumed to have died in a fire in a bar at a Swiss ski resort, authorities have said. Around 100 have been injured, with "several nationalities" involved.
The fire began at around 01:30 (00:30 GMT) in a bar called Le Constellation, police said. The cause is not known, although police initially said there had been an explosion.
The local prosecutor says there is "no question" of an attack.
The fire began at around 01:30 (00:30 GMT) in a bar called Le Constellation, police said. The cause is not known, although police initially said there had been an explosion.
The local prosecutor says there is "no question" of an attack.
Dozens Believed Dead After Fire at New Year’s Party in Switzerland, Police Say
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. at a bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort. Roughly 100 people were injured in the overnight blaze, the Swiss police said.
Dozens of people were “presumed dead” and about 100 were injured, many gravely, after a fire in a bar at a ski resort in Switzerland during a New Year’s celebration early Thursday, the Swiss police said.
The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, a municipality in Valais, a French-speaking canton, the police said. Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the fire and a subsequent explosion at the site, but they ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Emergency services sent 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to help take the injured to hospitals, officials said at a news briefing on Thursday morning. They added that the emergency ward and operating theaters of the nearest major medical center had run out of space. Teams of doctors and counselors were also dispatched to offer psychological help for survivors, the officials said.
“While this evening should have been a time for celebration and gathering, it turned into a nightmare,” Matthias Reynard, a senior member of the regional council, said at the briefing.
Nine hours after the fire began, the exact death toll was still unknown. The police asked those with relatives who may have been affected by the fire to contact the authorities. Live Updates » | Christopher F. Schuetze and John Yoon |Thursday, January 1, 2026
Dozens of people were “presumed dead” and about 100 were injured, many gravely, after a fire in a bar at a ski resort in Switzerland during a New Year’s celebration early Thursday, the Swiss police said.
The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, a municipality in Valais, a French-speaking canton, the police said. Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the fire and a subsequent explosion at the site, but they ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Emergency services sent 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to help take the injured to hospitals, officials said at a news briefing on Thursday morning. They added that the emergency ward and operating theaters of the nearest major medical center had run out of space. Teams of doctors and counselors were also dispatched to offer psychological help for survivors, the officials said.
“While this evening should have been a time for celebration and gathering, it turned into a nightmare,” Matthias Reynard, a senior member of the regional council, said at the briefing.
Nine hours after the fire began, the exact death toll was still unknown. The police asked those with relatives who may have been affected by the fire to contact the authorities. Live Updates » | Christopher F. Schuetze and John Yoon |Thursday, January 1, 2026
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Reviving Swiss Mountain Communities - Is There a Future for These Isolated Regions? | DW Documentary
Dec 14, 2025 | Only about 650 people live year-round in the Onsernone Valley in Switzerland. Surrounded by picturesque but rugged nature, life here is not easy for the inhabitants. And one of the top priorities is ensuring the availability of medical care.
The road through the valley winds its way for 28 kilometers through narrow hairpin bends. Much of the area can only be reached on foot, and with considerable physical effort. There is no supermarket. Above all, medical care must be guaranteed so that the valley remains attractive — for older people, but also for young families.
Josef "Beppe" Savary-Borioli, 72 years old and the valley's long-time doctor, faces the difficult task of finding a successor. He develops a "doctor sharing" model, in which several doctors could share the care of the villagers. For a few months, the experienced mountain doctor is accompanied by young assistant from Locarno — will he be his successor?
There are young families looking for a slower pace of life who are happy to take on the challenges. But living space is scarce, as most of the approximately 1,200 houses in the valley are only used by their owners as vacation homes for a few weeks a year.
Mike Keller, who was born in the valley, has returned with a mission: to find new families for the empty vacation homes. Shaman Daniela Huber has moved to Berzona with her four-year-old son Atticus and his father Adrian to live in her grandmother's house. She spent her summers here as a child.
Berzona is one of the most beautiful villages in the Onsernone Valley, but outside the summer season Daniela feels lonely there. Together with Mike, she’s now trying to encourage like-minded individuals to follow her example, in a bid to revive the village.
The road through the valley winds its way for 28 kilometers through narrow hairpin bends. Much of the area can only be reached on foot, and with considerable physical effort. There is no supermarket. Above all, medical care must be guaranteed so that the valley remains attractive — for older people, but also for young families.
Josef "Beppe" Savary-Borioli, 72 years old and the valley's long-time doctor, faces the difficult task of finding a successor. He develops a "doctor sharing" model, in which several doctors could share the care of the villagers. For a few months, the experienced mountain doctor is accompanied by young assistant from Locarno — will he be his successor?
There are young families looking for a slower pace of life who are happy to take on the challenges. But living space is scarce, as most of the approximately 1,200 houses in the valley are only used by their owners as vacation homes for a few weeks a year.
Mike Keller, who was born in the valley, has returned with a mission: to find new families for the empty vacation homes. Shaman Daniela Huber has moved to Berzona with her four-year-old son Atticus and his father Adrian to live in her grandmother's house. She spent her summers here as a child.
Berzona is one of the most beautiful villages in the Onsernone Valley, but outside the summer season Daniela feels lonely there. Together with Mike, she’s now trying to encourage like-minded individuals to follow her example, in a bid to revive the village.
Friday, November 28, 2025
Riding Switzerland's Newest Luxurious Scenic Train |🇨🇭Golden Pass Express
Friday, November 21, 2025
Swiss Gold and Rolex Gifts to Trump Arouse ‘Disgust’ in Europe
THE GUARDIAN: Billionaires gave desk clock and engraved gold bar weeks before Trump slashed tariffs on imports from Switzerland
A gold Rolex desk clock and a $130,000 engraved gold bar given to Donald Trump by a group of Swiss billionaires have raised questions in Europe and the US about the personalisation of US presidential power.
Pasquale Tridico, an Italian MEP and the former head of the country’s national institute for social security said he was “disgusted” by the golden charm offensive, made weeks before Trump decided to slash 39% tariffs on Swiss imports to 15%.
“This is really awful,” he said, claiming that it seemed to be a case of “making foreign policy the policy of individuals”.
Lisa Mazzone, the president of the Green party in Switzerland said the gifts appeared to show Trump’s “corrupt logic had poisoned the Swiss elite”.
“It is unacceptable that the federal council is relying on the help of an economic elite that represents private interests and lacks democratic legitimacy in its negotiations with the US president,” she added. » | Lisa O’Carroll in Brussels | Friday, November 21, 2025
A gold Rolex desk clock and a $130,000 engraved gold bar given to Donald Trump by a group of Swiss billionaires have raised questions in Europe and the US about the personalisation of US presidential power.
Pasquale Tridico, an Italian MEP and the former head of the country’s national institute for social security said he was “disgusted” by the golden charm offensive, made weeks before Trump decided to slash 39% tariffs on Swiss imports to 15%.
“This is really awful,” he said, claiming that it seemed to be a case of “making foreign policy the policy of individuals”.
Lisa Mazzone, the president of the Green party in Switzerland said the gifts appeared to show Trump’s “corrupt logic had poisoned the Swiss elite”.
“It is unacceptable that the federal council is relying on the help of an economic elite that represents private interests and lacks democratic legitimacy in its negotiations with the US president,” she added. » | Lisa O’Carroll in Brussels | Friday, November 21, 2025
Sunday, October 12, 2025
How Switzerland Helped Finance Hitler’s War – Historical Documentary
Monday, October 06, 2025
How Switzerland's Glaciers Have Rapidly Declined | BBC News
Oct 5, 2025 | "It's really difficult to grasp the extent of this melt." That's according to Dr Matthias Huss who first visited Rhône Glacier in Switzerland 35 years ago.
Now, images show how the glaciers of Switzerland have disappeared over the last three decades, from the ground and space.
Now, images show how the glaciers of Switzerland have disappeared over the last three decades, from the ground and space.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Switzerland: A Haven for Russian Money? | DW Documentary
May 27, 2024 | Despite sanctions against Russia, asset managers are said to have hidden money belonging to Putin‘s confidants. This documentary follows the trail of shadow bankers and high-ranking Russian officials to Switzerland.
Private jets and villas, bank accounts and financial assets: Switzerland is coming under criticism from the international community. Have Swiss asset managers and well-known institutions circumvented sanctions against wealthy Russians with good connections to the Kremlin?
When the Russian army invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union responded with sanctions against Russia. Russian oligarchs who did business in Europe were also affected. Many of them keep their assets in Swiss private banks. Switzerland joined the sanctions, albeit hesitantly and only under pressure from abroad.
However, it appears that some Russian citizens are still managing to circumvent the sanctions. This is indicated by internal documents from a Zurich-based asset manager that were published on the darknet for a short time in 2023. How extensive are the concealed Russian assets? How seriously did the Swiss authorities take the sanctions? And by what means are the US and Europe trying to force the hand of the Swiss banks?
Private jets and villas, bank accounts and financial assets: Switzerland is coming under criticism from the international community. Have Swiss asset managers and well-known institutions circumvented sanctions against wealthy Russians with good connections to the Kremlin?
When the Russian army invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union responded with sanctions against Russia. Russian oligarchs who did business in Europe were also affected. Many of them keep their assets in Swiss private banks. Switzerland joined the sanctions, albeit hesitantly and only under pressure from abroad.
However, it appears that some Russian citizens are still managing to circumvent the sanctions. This is indicated by internal documents from a Zurich-based asset manager that were published on the darknet for a short time in 2023. How extensive are the concealed Russian assets? How seriously did the Swiss authorities take the sanctions? And by what means are the US and Europe trying to force the hand of the Swiss banks?
Smoking - Anatomy of an Addiction Industry | DW Documentary | Reupload
Dec 13, 2024 | Smoking has an image problem, because everyone knows: it can kill you. That’s why tobacco multinationals are increasingly focused on e-cigarettes, enticing consumers with bright colors and fruity flavors. The target group: young people.
The World Health Organization says smoking results in the death of eight million people every year. That’s one reason why you’ll now often hear tobacco companies promoting the switch to e-cigarettes, with claims that these are less harmful to our health. It’s first and foremost young people who believe the industry’s promises, thereby taking the first step on the road to addiction. After all, nicotine is an addictive substance. And although it may taste better than tobacco, puffing on a vape is still going to get you hooked in precisely the same way as smoking a regular cigarette. The film investigates the cynicism of an industry that not only accepts this, but also deliberately aims for it.
Big Nicotine - Anatomy of an Addiction Industry /TEMPS PRESENT / Laurent Burkhalter & Philippe Mach / 2024 / RTS Radio television Suisse
The World Health Organization says smoking results in the death of eight million people every year. That’s one reason why you’ll now often hear tobacco companies promoting the switch to e-cigarettes, with claims that these are less harmful to our health. It’s first and foremost young people who believe the industry’s promises, thereby taking the first step on the road to addiction. After all, nicotine is an addictive substance. And although it may taste better than tobacco, puffing on a vape is still going to get you hooked in precisely the same way as smoking a regular cigarette. The film investigates the cynicism of an industry that not only accepts this, but also deliberately aims for it.
Big Nicotine - Anatomy of an Addiction Industry /TEMPS PRESENT / Laurent Burkhalter & Philippe Mach / 2024 / RTS Radio television Suisse
Friday, August 15, 2025
'Horror Scenario': US Slaps Switzerland with Tariffs | DW News
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The Swiss Lived in Splendid Isolation for Years. Trump’s Tariffs Have Shattered That Complacency
THE GUARDIAN: The shockwaves sent by the US president could finally push Switzerland closer to the EU
Growing up in Zurich often felt like being removed from the world. It shouldn’t be that way: after all, Switzerland is at the heart of Europe. Riding on the cosy Zurich trams, one hears all the world’s languages; and the airport offers more direct intercontinental flights than Berlin. And yet, coming of age in Switzerland is like sitting in an aquarium looking at the world through a thick bulletproof window.
That glass was shattered last week when Donald Trump announced 39% tariffs on Swiss exports. The US is the most important destination for Swiss products: 18.6% of all its exports go there. If Trump maintains the tariffs, sales to the US “will be effectively annihilated”, said Switzerland’s industry lobbying group. The rightwing Swiss business minister, Guy Parmelin, announced a furlough programme to shield the economy from “mass layoffs”. The tabloid newspaper Blick captured the mood with a stark black front page, pronouncing it a “black day” for Switzerland. » | Joseph de Weck | Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Growing up in Zurich often felt like being removed from the world. It shouldn’t be that way: after all, Switzerland is at the heart of Europe. Riding on the cosy Zurich trams, one hears all the world’s languages; and the airport offers more direct intercontinental flights than Berlin. And yet, coming of age in Switzerland is like sitting in an aquarium looking at the world through a thick bulletproof window.
That glass was shattered last week when Donald Trump announced 39% tariffs on Swiss exports. The US is the most important destination for Swiss products: 18.6% of all its exports go there. If Trump maintains the tariffs, sales to the US “will be effectively annihilated”, said Switzerland’s industry lobbying group. The rightwing Swiss business minister, Guy Parmelin, announced a furlough programme to shield the economy from “mass layoffs”. The tabloid newspaper Blick captured the mood with a stark black front page, pronouncing it a “black day” for Switzerland. » | Joseph de Weck | Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
Living in a Camper Van in Switzerland | ARTE.tv Documentary
Friday, August 01, 2025
Switzerland Is Stunned by 39% U.S. Tariff, Among the Highest in the World
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Swiss officials plan to negotiate furiously for a lower rate in the coming days, before the punishing levy takes effect.
Switzerland got a rude awakening on Friday, a national holiday, after President Trump imposed a 39 percent tariff on goods imported from the Alpine country, one of the highest rates of any country. Karin Keller-Sutter, the Swiss president, said that she had spoken with Mr. Trump on Thursday but that “no agreement could be reached.”
The Swiss were already indignant about Mr. Trump’s initial threat, in April, to levy a 31 percent tariff on their goods. When the White House announced revised rates late on Thursday, the Swiss were shocked to see that already steep rate raised further. Many other tariffs were maintained or lowered somewhat by Mr. Trump’s revisions.
Now, Swiss products imported in the United States, including pharmaceuticals, precision instruments and even coffee capsules, will be subject to the 39 percent tariff if the two sides don’t hash out a trade deal by Aug. 7. » | Liz Alderman | Reporting from Paris | Friday, August 1, 2025
Switzerland got a rude awakening on Friday, a national holiday, after President Trump imposed a 39 percent tariff on goods imported from the Alpine country, one of the highest rates of any country. Karin Keller-Sutter, the Swiss president, said that she had spoken with Mr. Trump on Thursday but that “no agreement could be reached.”
The Swiss were already indignant about Mr. Trump’s initial threat, in April, to levy a 31 percent tariff on their goods. When the White House announced revised rates late on Thursday, the Swiss were shocked to see that already steep rate raised further. Many other tariffs were maintained or lowered somewhat by Mr. Trump’s revisions.
Now, Swiss products imported in the United States, including pharmaceuticals, precision instruments and even coffee capsules, will be subject to the 39 percent tariff if the two sides don’t hash out a trade deal by Aug. 7. » | Liz Alderman | Reporting from Paris | Friday, August 1, 2025
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