A devastating fire that claimed dozens of lives at a popular Swiss ski resort bar is believed to have been ignited by celebratory sparklers held too close to the ceiling, according to initial findings from authorities.
The fire erupted in the early hours of the morning at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a venue packed with young revelers celebrating the new year. Preliminary evidence, including video footage and witness accounts, points to “Bengal lights” attached to champagne bottles as the source of the fast-moving blaze.
Prosecutors stated the investigation is now focused on several critical safety aspects of the establishment. These include the materials used in the bar’s recent renovation—with particular attention on foam soundproofing panels in the basement—as well as the number and accessibility of emergency exits, the availability of fire extinguishers, and the venue’s occupancy at the time of the incident.
The death toll currently stands at approximately forty, with formal identification efforts ongoing. Officials described a painstaking process utilizing dental records and DNA analysis to identify the severely burned victims, emphasizing that no information would be released to families without absolute certainty.
Over one hundred people were injured, many with severe burns requiring long-term specialist care. Hospitals across Switzerland and in neighboring countries, including France and Germany, are treating the wounded. A significant number of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
The close-knit community in the Alpine resort has been left in shock. Hundreds gathered for a silent vigil near the charred remains of the bar, leaving a growing mound of flowers and candles. Messages of grief and tributes to the young victims have been left at a makeshift memorial.
While the bar’s owners have been questioned, no criminal liability has yet been established. The investigation will determine if charges, such as negligent homicide, are warranted. The nation has announced a period of official mourning following what has been described as one of the most traumatic events in recent Swiss history.