In a sombre update from the Swiss Alps, the death toll from the devastating fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana has risen to 41, following the tragic passing of an 18-year-old Swiss national in hospital. The teenager, who was injured during the New Year's Eve blaze, succumbed to their injuries on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as confirmed by the Wallis canton's public prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud.
Investigation and Details of the Tragedy
Prosecutor Pilloud issued a brief statement on Sunday, noting that her office is actively investigating the incident but will not release further information at this stage. The fire, which erupted in the early hours of January 1, 2026, has been linked to revellers raising champagne bottles with sparklers too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement, according to preliminary findings by public prosecutors.
Victim Demographics and International Impact
The victims of this horrific event ranged in age from 14 to 39, with the majority being teenagers. Only four individuals were over the age of 24. In total, 115 people were injured, many of whom remain hospitalised across Switzerland and other European nations. Among the deceased, 23 were Swiss nationals, including one with dual French-Swiss citizenship, and 18 were foreigners. The foreign nationals included eight French citizens, six Italian teenagers, and individuals from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey.
Criminal Proceedings and Safety Concerns
Four individuals are currently under criminal investigation in connection with the fire. These include the co-owners of the Constellation bar, the head of public safety for the Crans-Montana municipality, and a former fire safety officer from the area. This scrutiny highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and regulatory oversight in the popular ski resort.
Medical Response and Patient Care
In the aftermath of the blaze, seriously injured patients were airlifted to various hospitals and specialist burns units throughout Switzerland and in four other European countries. As of recent updates, 44 patients were being treated abroad, with 18 in France, 12 in Italy, eight in Germany, and six in Belgium. Additionally, the Wallis health ministry reported that 37 patients remained in Swiss hospitals, with some in intensive care and others moving between facilities for different stages of treatment.
The situation remains fluid, with patients being readmitted or transferred as their conditions evolve. This international medical effort underscores the scale of the tragedy and the collaborative response across Europe to aid the victims.
