A celebratory start to 2026 turned into a national tragedy when a massive fire consumed Le Constellation, a crowded Alpine bar in the resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze, which erupted shortly after midnight, has left the community and the nation in a state of shock.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Details of the Disaster
- Casualties: Between 40 and 47 people are confirmed dead, with identification efforts ongoing.
- Injuries: Over 115 individuals were hospitalized; many remain in critical condition with severe burns and smoke inhalation.
- The Victims: The majority of those affected were young adults and teenagers, including a significant number of international tourists from Italy and France.
How the Fire Started
According to eyewitness reports and preliminary investigations, the fire was likely triggered by indoor pyrotechnics.
- The Spark: Around 1:30 a.m., a staff member was reportedly carrying a champagne bottle with a lit sparkler during a bottle service delivery.
- The Ignition: The sparks ignited the bar’s ceiling or insulation. Due to the high-altitude dry air and the venue’s interior materials, the fire achieved “flashover” status—where the entire room ignites simultaneously—within seconds.
The Chaotic Escape
Survivors described a harrowing scene as hundreds of people tried to exit through a single, narrow staircase.
- Panic: Thick black smoke cut visibility to near zero, leading to a dangerous crowd crush.
- Emergency Exits: Some revelers were forced to smash through windows and plexiglass panels to jump to safety.
- Emergency Response: A massive rescue operation involving 13 helicopters and dozens of ambulances transported victims to specialized burn units across Switzerland.
Official Investigation and Aftermath
While authorities have officially ruled out foul play or terrorism, the Valais Canton Attorney General is focusing on potential safety violations regarding the use of indoor fireworks and building capacity.
- National Mourning: Switzerland has entered a five-day mourning period, with flags at half-staff.
- Hospital Resources: Local medical facilities remain at capacity as they prioritize the survivors of the blaze.
