A festive New Year’s celebration turned into a national tragedy in the Swiss Alps when a massive fire tore through Le Constellation, a popular basement bar in the resort of Crans-Montana. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, has left the nation in shock and mourning.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Summary of the Disaster
- The Toll: Approximately 40 people are confirmed dead, the majority of whom were young adults and teenagers celebrating the start of the year.
- The Injured: Over 115 individuals sustained injuries. Due to the severity of the burns, Swiss medical facilities were quickly overwhelmed, requiring the emergency transfer of victims to specialized units in France, Italy, and Germany.
- The Cause: Preliminary investigations point to a tragic accident involving indoor pyrotechnics. Witnesses describe sparklers attached to champagne bottles igniting the bar’s wooden ceiling, causing a flash fire and subsequent structural collapse.
The Scene of the Incident
The fire broke out around 1:30 AM during the peak of the festivities. Survivors describe a scene of sudden panic as smoke filled the basement lounge within seconds. With the primary exits blocked by fire and falling debris, many were forced to escape by shattering windows with chairs and tables.
“It happened so fast. One moment there was music and lights, and the next, the ceiling was melting over us. There was no time to think.” — Eyewitness account.
National and International Impact
The scale of the loss—involving victims from Switzerland, France, and Italy—has prompted an outpouring of international support.
- Official Mourning: Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared five days of national mourning, with flags across the country lowered to half-staff.
- Investigation: Forensic experts from Zurich are currently on-site to determine if safety regulations and fire codes were breached prior to the event.
