Switzerland's Crans Montana Resort Blast Today Live News Updates: Some survivors of Crans-Montana fire remain unidentified due to severe burns, says Italian foreign minister

People mourn behind flowers and letters near the sealed off Le Constellation bar, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year’s celebrations in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/ Antonio Calanni)

An intriguing matchup between two European nations is set for Friday afternoon, as Czechia faces off with Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

May your Swiss vacation include these tiny medieval towns, iconic ski resorts, and cheese-filled destinations.

A fast-moving fire at a bar in a popular ski resort killed 40 people and injured 119, officials said. Sparklers atop champagne bottles probably caused the fire.

Swiss investigators say they believe sparklers on Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire at a Swiss ski resort when they came too close to the ceiling of a bar crowded with New Year’s Eve revelers.

The USA improved to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship, overcoming the loss of Cole Hutson to an injury.

The blaze broke out during a New Year’s Eve party at a bar in Crans-Montana, a ski resort town in the Swiss Alps. About 40 people were killed and roughly 115 injured, many gravely, the police said. The Swiss president said it was “ one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced.”

Switzerland qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing as winners of UEFA Group B, securing the automatic spot reserved for group winners. The team went unbeaten in the group with four wins and two draws and sealed first place with a 1-1 draw away to Kosovo.