A devastating fire that erupted during New Year's Eve celebrations at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed the lives of at least 40 people and left more than 115 others injured, making it one of Switzerland's worst tragedies in recent memory. Investigators now believe the inferno at Le Constellation bar was sparked by fountain candles attached to champagne bottles that were carried too close to the ceiling.
The blaze broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on January 1, 2026, as hundreds of revelers were celebrating the arrival of the new year inside the packed establishment. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as flames rapidly engulfed the venue, with many patrons struggling to escape through smoke-filled corridors. The majority of victims were young people between their teens and mid-20s who had gathered to ring in 2026.
Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident, though officials have ruled out terrorism as a possible cause. Initial findings suggest that sparkling fountain candles, commonly known as "Bengal lights," which had been attached to champagne bottles created the fatal spark when they came into contact with acoustic foam materials in the ceiling. Investigators are now examining whether the foam insulation complied with fire safety regulations.
The Swiss president described the fire as "one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced," and the Federal Council has ordered flags on all federal buildings to be flown at half-mast. A five-day period of national mourning has been declared as the country comes to terms with the scale of the disaster that has shocked the Alpine nation.
Emergency services mounted a massive response to the tragedy, deploying 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 first responders to the scene. Air ambulances transported critically injured victims to hospitals in Sion and Geneva, with the most severe burn cases transferred to specialized burn centers in Lausanne and Zurich. The intensive care units throughout the French-speaking region of Switzerland were overwhelmed, forcing medical authorities to distribute patients across the country.
Among the victims were several foreign tourists who had traveled to the exclusive ski resort for the holiday season. Authorities have confirmed fatalities among nationals from Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Serbia. The first victim to be publicly identified was a 16-year-old Italian national, highlighting the young age of many who perished in the fire.
Crans-Montana, located in the canton of Valais, is known as one of Switzerland's premier ski destinations, attracting wealthy visitors from across Europe. The Le Constellation bar was a popular gathering spot for tourists and locals alike, particularly during the festive holiday period. The tragedy has raised serious questions about fire safety standards in entertainment venues and the use of pyrotechnic devices indoors.
Grief counselors have been deployed to support survivors, families of victims, and the local community as they process the devastating loss. Memorial services are being planned, and an international effort is underway to identify all victims and repatriate remains to their home countries. The investigation is expected to take several weeks as authorities piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the catastrophe.
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