In one of the deadliest disasters to strike modern Switzerland, a devastating fire ripped through a busy bar in the luxury ski resort town of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119 others, many critically. The tragedy, which unfolded during a crowded New Year’s Eve celebration on January 1, 2026, has shocked the nation and drawn condolences and support from around the world.
The blaze broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. CET inside Le Constellation, a popular bar and nightclub located in the centre of Crans-Montana, in the canton of Valais, nestled in the Swiss Alps. Hundreds of young revellers, many in their teens and early twenties, were inside the venue celebrating the turn of the year when the incident began.
According to authorities, the fire likely started accidentally when sparkling candles or sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the low ceiling, igniting flammable acoustic insulation material. Prosecutors have said that this rapidly escalated into a flashover, a sudden, intense spread of fire that engulfed the venue in seconds, leaving little time for many inside to escape.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage show the blaze spreading with terrifying speed, overwhelming partygoers and sparking frantic attempts to flee. Many people were forced to climb toward the single staircase exit, creating a dangerous bottleneck that trapped dozens. Some panicked individuals smashed windows in a desperate bid to escape the smoke and flames.
Local emergency services responded immediately after the first reports of smoke, with firefighters, police, and paramedics arriving within minutes. Over 150 emergency personnel, including ten helicopters and dozens of ambulances, were deployed to assist in rescue operations and transport the injured to hospitals across Switzerland. Intensive care units in Valais were quickly overwhelmed, prompting some patients to be flown to specialised burn centres in other cantons and neighbouring countries.
The identification of the deceased has proven to be one of the most harrowing aspects of the aftermath. Many bodies were so badly burned that authorities have had to use DNA and dental records to confirm identities. Local officials warned that this painstaking process could take days or even weeks, prolonging the anguish of families waiting for news of loved ones.
Authorities have released the names of some victims, including several teenagers and young adults. Among them was 17-year-old Italian golf star Emanuele Galeppini, whose death was confirmed by the Italian Golf Federation. Most of the identified victims were Swiss nationals, but the list also includes citizens from Italy, France, Turkey, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the tragedy, Swiss prosecutors have launched criminal investigations into the two operators of Le Constellation, charging them with negligent homicide, causing bodily harm by negligence and causing a fire by negligence. Investigators are closely examining whether proper safety regulations, building codes, and fire-prevention measures were in place and adhered to. Questions have also arisen over whether emergency exits were sufficient and accessible.
The fire has intensified scrutiny of fire safety standards in entertainment venues across Switzerland. Local officials have emphasised that buildings are supposed to undergo annual safety inspections, but statements from those connected to the bar suggest inspections were infrequent, raising concerns about compliance and oversight.
The emotional toll on the community has been profound. On January 4, hundreds of mourners marched silently through the streets of Crans-Montana in tribute to the victims, many of whom were teenagers and young adults. A Mass held at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe preceded the procession, and a memorial site near the bar continues to grow with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages from locals, tourists, and international visitors alike.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced,” and declared January 9 a national day of mourning. Flags across Switzerland have been flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. Governments around the world, including those from neighbouring Italy and France, have offered support, medical assistance, and heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. As investigations continue, the focus remains firmly on uncovering the full circumstances behind the disaster, ensuring accountability, and preventing such a catastrophe from ever occurring again.
