Deadly New Year’s Day Fire at Le Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
A devastating fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026, at around 1:30 am local time. The blaze resulted in at least 40 fatalities and 119 injuries. The resort lies approximately 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn and is about two hours from Bern.
Authorities have identified sparklers placed on champagne bottles near the ceiling as the likely cause of the fire. The flames reportedly began close to the ceiling, causing a rapid flashover and fast-spreading flames. There are ongoing investigations into whether flammable polyurethane foam soundproofing material contributed to the fire's rapid spread, though officials caution against prematurely concluding the foam's role. The ceiling foam and soundproofing may have exacerbated the situation, but confirmation is pending.
Eyewitnesses described panic as people scrambled to escape, climbing stairs and smashing windows. Despite the venue reportedly having multiple exits, many victims did not reach them. Emergency responders deployed 13 helicopters, 42 ambulances, 150 paramedics, and 70 firefighters in the rescue efforts. Twenty-two patients remain in critical condition at Lausanne University Hospital.
The victims are predominantly Swiss nationals (71), with others from France (14), Italy (11), Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. The identification of the deceased is ongoing using dental and DNA methods.
Among the missing or confirmed dead are teenagers, including 17-year-old Italian Emanuele Galeppini, the first confirmed victim; 16-year-old Charlotte Niddam, formerly of Hertfordshire, UK; 16-year-old Swiss Arthur Brodard; 15-year-old Greek Alice Kallergis; and Emilie Pralong. The UK embassy has stated it has not been contacted for assistance but is monitoring the situation.
Eyewitness testimony includes 15-year-old Italian tourist Lupo Guagliumi from Milan, who had left the bar before the fire began. He witnessed the aftermath and noted that around 10–15 people remain unaccounted for. Guagliumi described the event as terrifying and traumatic, saying it could have happened to him. Several of his friends are in intensive care due to severe burns.
Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti have been interviewed as sources of information but are not under investigation or caution. Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the tragedy one of the worst in the country's history, highlighting the scale and severity of the incident.
The investigation continues into the safety arrangements, exit accessibility, and the exact origin and means by which the fire spread so rapidly in the packed venue, which reportedly hosted many teenagers, despite Switzerland's drinking age being 16.
