Andorra PM Offers Condolences After Deadly New Year's Fire in Swiss Ski Resort

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, has offered condolences to Switzerland after an accidental fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana killed at least 40 people on New Year's Eve. Swiss authorities in Valais canton have ruled out terrorism, attributing the blaze to sparks from bengalas placed in champagne bottles that ignited flammable ceiling materials.

The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. in the crowded venue beside the ski slopes. An explosion sparked a fire that raced through the wooden structure, trapping many young revelers inside. Most deaths resulted from burns, with 115 injuries reported. Investigations now focus on evacuation plans and fire safety compliance. Switzerland has declared five days of national mourning for what may be one of its worst disasters in decades.

In social media posts in Catalan and French, Espot expressed the Andorran government's shock at the "terrible fire." He sent "all our affection and solidarity" to the victims' families, President Guy Parmelin, and the Swiss people.

Government sources confirmed no Andorran nationals or residents were affected, with the Foreign Ministry's traveler registry showing no planned trips to the resort.

A local family narrowly escaped the tragedy. Bieito López, an Andorran and manager of Fusteria Frealon, had booked dinner at a restaurant directly opposite Le Constellation as part of a family tradition. His daughter, a surgeon at Sion Hospital in Valais, lives nearby. At the last minute, they opted for Verbier, 60 km away. "By chance we weren't there, but it could have happened to us," López said. "If we'd dined in Crans-Montana, we probably would have gone for a drink afterward."

The family learned of the fire at 3 a.m. via their daughter's hospital alert. They rushed to her home in Bramois, near Sion, where about 15 helicopters airlifted the injured. López praised the "very rapid and efficient" emergency response despite initial roadblocks from thorough police checks. The hospital urged off-piste skiers to stay clear to prioritize victims.