The festive atmosphere of the Swiss Alps turned to profound grief this weekend as hundreds of people marched in silence through the resort town of Crans-Montana. The procession honored the 40 victims of a horrific New Year’s Eve fire that has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about public safety.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Incident: Chaos at “Le Constellation”
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at the popular lounge Le Constellation. What began as a high-energy celebration quickly turned into a death trap.
- The Spark: Reports indicate the fire was likely triggered by sparklers on champagne bottles during a celebration. Witnesses described a bartender being carried on a colleague’s shoulders, bringing the pyrotechnics into direct contact with the ceiling.
- The Aftermath: The blaze claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured. Most victims were young adults and teenagers celebrating the start of the new year.
- Why it Spread: Investigators are focusing on the interior materials of the bar, suggesting that flammable soundproofing foam allowed the fire to engulf the room in seconds.
The Silent Tribute
On Sunday, a somber memorial Mass at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe preceded a “snaking procession” through the town’s snowy streets.
- A Multinational Tragedy: The victims included citizens from Switzerland, Italy, France, Romania, Turkey, and Serbia.
- The Memorial: Mourners laid flowers, candles, and mementos near the bar, which is now hidden behind white screens as forensic teams continue their work.
Legal and Safety Fallout
The Valais regional prosecutor has launched a formal criminal investigation. Two managers of the bar are currently under scrutiny for:
- Involuntary homicide
- Negligent bodily harm
- Violation of fire safety codes
