A devastating fire that erupted in a popular bar in the Swiss Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year's Day has resulted in one of the worst tragedies in the country's recent history. The blaze, which broke out around 1:30 am local time (0030 GMT) on January 1, 2026, at the Le Constellation bar, claimed at least 40 lives and left over 110 people injured.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as "one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced." He extended the government's condolences to the families of the victims. The bar was packed with revelers celebrating the arrival of the new year when the disaster struck.
Emergency services responded swiftly after smoke was spotted pouring from the establishment. Police Commander Frederic Gisler stated that the fire alarm was triggered immediately, mobilising the fire department. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze quickly, even as they worked to treat and evacuate the numerous injured.
Champagne Bottle Sparklers: A Possible Cause
As investigators begin the painstaking process of determining the cause, early witness accounts point to a potential source. Several reports from Swiss, French, and Italian media suggest that the fire may have been ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles.
According to these accounts, staff at the bar were reportedly putting on a "show" for patrons who made special orders, carrying champagne bottles with lit sparklers. One eyewitness, identified as Axel, told Italian outlet Local Team, "I think there were some ladies, waitresses, with champagne bottles and little sparklers. They got too close to the ceiling, and suddenly it all caught fire." The official investigation is ongoing to verify these preliminary reports.
Community Mourns and Investigation Begins
The aftermath of the fire saw a sombre scene in Crans-Montana. On Thursday evening, hundreds of residents and visitors gathered in silence in the freezing cold to pay their respects. They laid flowers and lit candles near the cordoned-off bar, overlooking the scene of the tragedy.
One young mourner, who gave his surname as Orosstevic, shared his grief with AFP, saying, "I wasn't [at the bar] myself, but I had many friends and relatives who were. Some died, others are in the hospital. About 10." The scale of the emergency prompted authorities to impose a no-fly zone over the area to facilitate rescue and investigation efforts.
Authorities now face the grim task of identifying the victims and answering critical questions. The probe will focus on the exact sequence of events, whether the establishment complied with all safety regulations, and the identities of those who perished. Crans-Montana, a luxury resort in the Valais Canton known for hosting World Cup ski races and operated by Vail Resorts Inc., is now the site of a profound national loss.
