Swiss Authorities Say Sparklers Caused Crans-Montana Bar Fire During New Year Party

A devastating New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alps resort town of Crans-Montana claimed 40 lives and left 119 people injured, many with severe burns and respiratory damage. The blaze erupted in the early hours of January 1, 2026, during a crowded party attended by young revelers, including locals and international tourists. Swiss authorities have identified the likely ignition source as sparklers or Bengal candles waved too close to the basement bar's low, foam-insulated ceiling, where mobile phone footage shows the material catching fire while people continued dancing, initially unaware of the danger.

Once the flames took hold, panic erupted as thick smoke filled the venue. Witnesses described a chaotic scene of screaming patrons attempting to escape, with some breaking windows and others trapped in the crush. The fire spread rapidly due to the flammable soundproofing foam, turning the celebration into a deadly inferno within minutes. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the intensity of the blaze and the narrow exits complicated rescue efforts. The majority of the 119 survivors suffered critical injuries, overwhelming local hospitals and necessitating the transfer of dozens to specialized burn units in neighboring countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium.

Chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud stated that preliminary investigations, based on video evidence and survivor accounts, strongly point to the sparklers or decorative candles as the origin of the fire. The bar owner, Jacques Moretti, who has run the establishment since 2015 with his wife, Jessica, insisted that all safety regulations had been followed. However, the application and enforcement of those standards are now central to the ongoing probe. The couple has been questioned as witnesses, with no liability assigned at this stage. The exact number of people inside the bar at the time of the fire remains uncertain, though the venue's listed capacity was around 300, plus additional terrace space.

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The tragedy has left the tight-knit resort community in shock, with locals describing Crans-Montana as feeling like a village in mourning. Many families are enduring an agonizing wait for identification of victims and survivors, as the process is complicated by severe burns and the international makeup of the crowd. Among the nationalities identified so far are Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian, Bosnian, Belgian, Polish, Portuguese, and Luxembourg nationals, with several still unknown. A makeshift memorial has been set up near the charred remains of Le Constellation, where relatives and friends continue to gather.

Swiss authorities, including regional police commander Frederic Gisler, have confirmed that 113 of the 119 survivors have been identified, with efforts ongoing to complete the task. Hospitals in the Valais canton have reported treating patients for external and inhalation burns, fractures, and severe smoke inhalation, conditions described as extremely complex to manage. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in entertainment venues, particularly those with flammable materials and large crowds during peak festive periods.

As the investigation continues, Crans-Montana grapples with the aftermath of one of the deadliest fires in recent Swiss history. The community and authorities are working together to support grieving families and injured survivors while ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies. The sorrow in this popular ski destination serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance during celebrations, where moments of joy can turn to unimaginable loss in seconds.

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