On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Swiss prosecutors in Valais announced they’ve opened a criminal investigation into the two managers of Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. The move comes after the devastating New Year’s Day blaze that claimed at least 40 lives and injured 119 revelers. 💔
The managers face charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson, prosecutors said. Authorities believe lit sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited foam on the ceiling, turning a festive night into a deadly inferno.🔥
So far, investigators have identified four Swiss victims: a 21-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, a 16-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy. Their remains have been returned to families, while officials work “relentlessly” to ID the other victims. Of the 119 injured, 113 have been identified, police commander Frederic Gisler confirmed on Friday.
Dozens of badly burnt partygoers were flown to hospitals in neighboring countries for urgent care. Given Crans-Montana’s international draw, many foreign nationals are also believed to be among the victims.
At the makeshift memorial outside Constellation bar, visitors continue to leave flowers, candles and heartfelt messages.🕯️ Notes read “Courage to the families” and “May they rest in peace,” reflecting the community’s shock and solidarity.
This tragedy has rocked Switzerland’s beloved ski resort, sparking tough questions about safety measures at nightspots. Prosecutors vow to get to the bottom of how a night of celebration turned into heartbreak.🔍
Reference(s):
Swiss prosecutors place inferno bar managers under investigation
cgtn.com
