Deadly New Year's Eve Fire at Le Constellation Bar in Switzerland Killed at Least 40
A deadly fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve, resulting in at least 40 deaths and 119 injuries. Officials attribute the blaze to sparklers attached to champagne bottles that moved too close to the ceiling and ignited the fire in the basement area.
BBC Verify analyzed footage from survivors and bystanders, confirming the authenticity of two widely shared images showing lit sparklers above the bottles; these photos, taken after midnight on January 1, matched the venue's layout with no evidence of AI manipulation.
Experts investigating the fire are examining the ceiling materials, focusing on foam-like polyurethane (PU) padding. Swiss authorities have not confirmed the exact type of padding nor whether it complied with safety standards. PU acoustic foam, if untreated, can spread flames rapidly and emit dense, toxic smoke. Although retardant treatments can slow fire growth, they may degrade over time, potentially exacerbating fire conditions.
The fire may have involved a flashover—a near-instantaneous ignition of hot gases in the room—which experts deem makes survival highly unlikely. Investigators are also reviewing exit routes; the bar spans two levels, the ground floor and basement. Panic likely caused most occupants to try to escape via the main entrance, but it remains unclear if emergency exits were accessible or open.
The Office Cantonal du Feu is responsible for overseeing safety inspections, and buildings of this size should be inspected annually. Authorities are seeking past inspection documents. Bar owners reported that the venue had been inspected three times in the past decade and claimed compliance with regulations.
Video from earlier in 2024 shows sparklers used on bottles inside the venue. Two French managers were interviewed, and the owners maintain that inspections were up to standard.
