Crans-Montana, Switzerland – January 2, 2026: Investigators in Switzerland say a tragic New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana may have been triggered by sparklers attached to champagne bottles. The devastating blaze claimed the lives of at least 40 people and injured more than 110 others, leaving families and tourists in shock as authorities work to identify victims and determine the exact cause of the fire.

Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed during a Friday press briefing that initial findings indicate the flames may have started from “Bengal lights” or candles attached to bottles of champagne. “Everything suggests that the fire started from the burning candles or ‘Bengal lights’ that had been attached to champagne bottles,” Pilloud said. She added that the decorations came dangerously close to the ceiling, which quickly caused a rapid and uncontrollable fire.

Victims and Casualties

The fire at Le Constellation bar occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, engulfing the crowded venue within minutes. Authorities reported that at least 40 people were killed, while 119 others sustained injuries, many of which are severe burn injuries. Of those injured, 113 have been identified, including 14 French nationals, 11 Italians, and 4 Serbian nationals, according to Frederic Gisler, the police commander of the Valais region.

Many of the injured are being treated locally, while around 50 victims have been or will be transferred to specialized burn units in other European countries for further care.

The tragedy has left the town in a state of profound grief. Local residents, tourists, and survivors have gathered near the bar, bringing flowers and lighting candles to honor the victims. Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull described the town as a “place of collective grief and mourning,” noting that the atmosphere is “heavy” as people cope with the scale of the disaster.

Missing Persons and Identification Efforts

Friends and relatives of missing people have taken to social media, posting photos and pleas for information. A 20-year-old visitor from Milan, Marco, reported that 20 of his friends remain unaccounted for, while others are either injured or safe. Authorities have warned that identifying victims will take time due to the severity of the burns, with forensic teams relying on dental and DNA analysis to confirm identities.

Mathias Reynard, head of government for the canton of Valais, emphasized the sensitivity of the process: “All this work needs to be done because the information is so terrible and sensitive that nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100-percent sure.”

Investigation Into Cause and Safety Measures

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the fire’s origin and the safety measures in place at Le Constellation. Prosecutor Pilloud said the investigation will focus on several key areas:

• Previous renovations and materials used in the bar’s construction.
• Availability and functionality of fire extinguishing systems.
• Adequacy of escape routes for patrons.
• Number of people inside the bar at the time of the fire.

The owners of the bar have been questioned, and officials have not ruled out criminal liability if negligence or safety violations are found.

A Tragic Start to the Year

The deadly fire comes amid global concern over safety during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Sparkler-related accidents, often underestimated, can become catastrophic in crowded indoor spaces with flammable decorations or low ceilings. Crans-Montana, normally a bustling ski resort, now faces the grim task of recovering and supporting victims and their families in the aftermath of this tragedy.