Sparklers waved at a New Year’s party ignited a deadly inferno, turning celebration into catastrophe for dozens of young revelers in a Swiss ski resort bar.
Story Snapshot
- Fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana killed around 40, injured 119, mostly teens packed for New Year’s Eve.
- Sparklers on champagne bottles sparked flames near foam-insulated ceiling, causing rapid blaze and smoke.
- Police identified 113 injured by Friday, with 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians among victims.
- No arson suspected; probe targets overcrowding and safety lapses in upscale venue.
- Families endure DNA identification agony amid multinational grief.
Fire Erupts in Crans-Montana Bar
Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort hit capacity around 12:30-1:00 AM on December 31, 2025. Witnesses Lucas Rebot and his girlfriend arrived at 1 AM but got turned away due to crowds. At 1:30 AM January 1, 2026, staff lit birthday sparklers on champagne bottles. They waved them too close to the soundproof foam ceiling, igniting insulation like a music studio setup. Video captured initial flames and a failed cloth extinguishment.
Panic erupted as fire spread fast through narrow exits. Screams filled the air while smoke choked the wooden structure. Around 40 died from burns and inhalation; 119 suffered serious injuries, many teens celebrating holidays. Victims scattered to hospitals in Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany.
Victim Identification Challenges Unfold
Swiss police recovered bodies to a secure site by January 1-2, 2026. Forensic teams relied on DNA and dental records due to severe burns. Initially, 24 remained missing 36 hours post-fire. By Friday January 2, authorities identified 113 of 119 injured. Nationalities broke down to 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbians, plus singles from Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal. Six injured awaited confirmation; 14 nationalities stayed unknown.
Italy reported at least 47 dead, including golfer Emanuele Galeppini, mourned by the Italian Golf Federation. Families endured anguish, pressing officials for updates. Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud assured transparency while ruling out attacks. Police Commander Frédéric Gisler shared details with relatives first.
Investigators Pinpoint Sparkler Cause
Gisler confirmed sparklers in champagne bottles, held near the ceiling, started the basement blaze. Investigators dismissed arson early, focusing on accident. Witnesses like 16-year-old Axel Cavalier blamed staff for ceiling contact. Lucas Rebot highlighted foam vulnerability. Probe now scrutinizes bar capacity, overcrowding, and flammable materials in the insulated venue.
No arrests occurred. Officials released ignition videos via news outlets. Bar facade stood barricaded, halting operations in peak ski season. Crans-Montana, a luxury Valais Canton spot for skiing and golf, drew internationals from Switzerland, Italy, France.
Resort Community Grapples with Aftermath
Hospitals overloaded with life-threatening cases. Candlelight vigils honored youth victims in the shocked resort. Short-term shutdowns hit nightlife; long-term, expect stricter rules on indoor sparklers, foam insulation, crowd limits. Tourism faces dips during holiday peak, pressuring Valais officials for cross-border coordination.
Insurance claims loom for bar owners defending liability. Broader ski industry eyes precedents on venue safety. Common sense demands accountability for packing risky spaces with flammables—authorities must enforce limits to prevent repeats, aligning with values prizing life over revelry.
