A New Year’s celebration in a popular Swiss ski resort ended in tragedy after a sudden blaze tore through a crowded bar in Crans-Montana. Early probes suggest that sparklers placed on champagne bottles may have ignited the venue’s wooden ceiling, triggering a fast-spreading fire that killed around 40 people and left more than 100 injured. Authorities are continuing a detailed investigation into the cause and safety practices at the venue.
Swiss Resort Fire: What Happened in Crans-Montana?
The fire broke out in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at the bar called Le Constellation, where large crowds had gathered for New Year’s celebrations. Flames spread rapidly through the basement lounge, leaving little time for people to escape. Emergency services rushed to the scene as smoke and fire engulfed the building.
Cause Under Investigation: Champagne Sparklers
Witness accounts and early findings indicate that sparklers attached to champagne bottles, commonly used to celebrate or mark special orders, were carried too close to the wooden ceiling. The heat from these pyrotechnics may have ignited flammable materials overhead, causing the flames to spread within seconds.
Officials have not yet confirmed this as the final cause. Investigators are examining all possibilities, including safety compliance, materials used inside the bar, and emergency preparedness.
Swiss Resort Fire: Death Toll and Injuries
Police and regional authorities have confirmed that around 40 people lost their lives in the blaze. Many others suffered serious injuries, including severe burns and smoke inhalation, with more than 100 victims receiving treatment in hospitals.
Around 115 people are reported injured, and several are in critical condition. Medical teams across Switzerland, including specialized burn centres, are managing the influx of patients.
Swiss Resort Fire: Multiple Nationalities Among Victims
Victims of the fire include people from various countries, reflecting Crans-Montana’s status as an international winter destination. Swiss officials, along with foreign ministries, are coordinating notifications to families and consulates as identification continues.
Emergency Response and International Support
The local emergency response was bolstered by aid from neighbouring nations, including France and Italy. Hospitals in France and other regions accepted transfers of particularly severe burn cases due to capacity limits in Valais.
Authorities say identifying the deceased and notifying families remains a priority, and they are using dental records and DNA to confirm identities due to the severity of burns.
Safety Review and Wider Impact
Authorities have emphasised that no terrorism or foul play is suspected. The focus is on understanding how rapidly the fire spread and whether safety standards and exit routes at the venue were adequate. The investigation will also examine the bar’s occupancy and fire prevention measures.
This tragedy has cast a sombre mood over the ski resort and raised urgent questions about fire safety procedures in entertainment venues, especially where indoor pyrotechnics are used.
Community Mourning and Reactions
Local officials are planning memorial services to honour the victims. Condolences have poured in from around Europe, and national leaders have described the fire as one of the worst peacetime tragedies the country has faced. Worldwide, families and friends of those affected continue to await news about missing loved ones.
