Earlier this week, on Jan. 1, 2026, a devastating fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during a packed New Years Eve party. Authorities now say the blaze was likely triggered by sparkler candles brought too close to the bars low, wooden ceiling.
Initial reports confirm at least 40 people lost their lives and 119 were injured, many with severe burns. Victims are receiving specialized care: around 50 have been or will be transferred to burn units in hospitals across Europe, including facilities in Germany and France. Regional prosecutor Mathias Reynard warned that identifying all the victims will take time, and many injured are still fighting for their lives.
Swiss police chief Frédéric Gisler shared the nationalities of the 113 identified injured: 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, four Serbian, and one each from Bosnia, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, and Luxembourg.
Footage from inside the packed basement bar shows staff waving sparklers—sometimes called Bengal lights—stuck in Champagne bottles near a soundproofed ceiling. Videos capture the moment the ceiling fabric caught fire and flames spread so fast that dancers barely grasped the danger. Everything suggests that the fire started from the burning candles attached to Champagne bottles, prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said, noting the rapid, widespread conflagration that followed.
As investigators work on identifying victims, this tragedy is a stark reminder: keep flammable items clear of ceilings, know your exits, and have a safety plan before you celebrate. Our hearts go out to everyone affected. 💔
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
