A devastating fire at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year's Day has killed around 40 people and left 119 injured, many critically. The blaze, which tore through Le Constellation bar as revellers celebrated the start of 2026, is being described as one of Switzerland's worst tragedies.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The fire broke out at approximately 1:30am on Thursday 1 January 2026. Swiss authorities have stated that fountain candles, or 'Bengal lights', attached to champagne bottles are the likely cause. Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud explained that the candles appear to have been moved too close to the ceiling, causing a rapid flashover where flames spread with terrifying speed.
Witness accounts given to French broadcaster BFMTV describe a bartender lifting a colleague on his shoulders while she held a lit candle in a bottle, after which the wooden ceiling quickly caught fire. The ensuing panic saw a crowd surge as people tried to escape a basement area via a narrow staircase and door.
Some 42 ambulances, 13 helicopters, and three disaster trucks rushed to the scene. Emergency services arrived within two minutes, and all injured had received care by 5am. Around 50 of the most seriously hurt have been transferred to specialist burns units across Europe.
Victims and the Emergency Response
The victims, many of whom were young, are of multiple nationalities. Of the 119 injured, 113 have been identified, including:
- 71 Swiss nationals
- 14 French
- 11 Italian
- 4 Serbian
- 1 each from Bosnia, Belgium, Poland, Luxembourg, and Portugal
The first victim named is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian golfer living in Dubai, whom the Italian Golf Federation praised as a young athlete who embodied passion.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident "unprecedented" and "horrifying". Local hospitals, including the intensive care unit and operating theatre at the regional hospital, quickly reached full capacity. Authorities have urged people in the area to avoid risky activities to preserve overstretched medical resources.
Investigation and Aftermath
A criminal investigation is open, and the two French nationals who own Le Constellation bar have been interviewed. Prosecutor Pilloud confirmed no criminal liability has been determined yet, and there is no indication of an attack.
While some reports suggested insufficient emergency exits, Valais security head Stephane Ganzer stated the bar had more than one, but panic prevented people from finding them. The area remains closed off with a no-fly zone in place over Crans-Montana, a premier World Cup ski venue set to host the 2027 World Championships.
The community is described as "devastated" by a tragedy that turned New Year celebrations into a national disaster. Identification of victims is ongoing, a process officials warn will take considerable time.
