Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy: Sparklers on Champagne Bottles Spark Deadly Blaze
Published 2 January 2026
Highlights
- A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed 40 people and injured 119, with sparklers on champagne bottles believed to be the cause.
- Investigations are focusing on the bar's safety measures, including the use of foam soundproofing panels and compliance with fire safety regulations.
- The identification of victims is ongoing, with authorities using dental records and DNA samples; 113 injured individuals have been identified so far.
- The fire spread rapidly due to potentially flammable materials on the ceiling, with experts noting the dangers of untreated polyurethane foam.
- International support is being coordinated, with some injured individuals receiving treatment in specialized centers across Europe.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy: Sparklers on Champagne Bottles Spark Deadly Blaze
A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed the lives of 40 people and left 119 injured, many critically. The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of New Year's Day, is believed to have been ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, held too close to the ceiling. This tragic incident has prompted a thorough investigation into the bar's safety protocols and materials used in its construction.
Cause and Investigation
Valais Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud announced at a press conference that the investigation will scrutinize the bar's fire safety measures, including the use of foam soundproofing panels and the venue's capacity at the time of the fire. "Everything suggests the fire started from the burning candles or 'Bengal lights' that had been attached to champagne bottles," Pilloud stated. The rapid spread of the fire has raised questions about the flammability of materials used in the bar's renovation.
Victim Identification and International Response
The process of identifying the victims is ongoing, with authorities employing dental records and DNA samples to confirm identities. Valais police chief Frédéric Gisler reported that 113 of the injured have been identified, including nationals from Switzerland, France, Italy, and several other countries. Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais region, emphasized the priority of identifying the deceased, noting that many families are anxiously awaiting news.
Safety Concerns and Expert Insights
Fire safety experts have highlighted the potential role of untreated polyurethane foam in the rapid spread of the fire. Dr. Peter Wilkinson from Loughborough University explained that such materials can exhibit rapid flame spread and produce toxic smoke. The investigation will also assess whether the foam was treated with fire retardants, which can lose effectiveness over time.
Global Support and Medical Assistance
In response to the tragedy, international support is being coordinated, with some of the injured receiving treatment in specialized centers across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that some victims are being cared for in French hospitals. The European Union has also reached out to Swiss authorities to offer medical assistance.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation into the Crans-Montana fire continues, authorities may face legal challenges if negligence is found in the bar's safety measures. Potential prosecutions could arise if it is determined that safety regulations were not adequately followed. This incident may prompt a reevaluation of fire safety standards in entertainment venues across Switzerland and beyond, particularly concerning the use of decorative sparklers and flammable materials. Experts suggest that stricter regulations and regular inspections could be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed the lives of 40 people and left 119 injured, many critically. The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of New Year's Day, is believed to have been ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, held too close to the ceiling. This tragic incident has prompted a thorough investigation into the bar's safety protocols and materials used in its construction.
Cause and Investigation
Valais Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud announced at a press conference that the investigation will scrutinize the bar's fire safety measures, including the use of foam soundproofing panels and the venue's capacity at the time of the fire. "Everything suggests the fire started from the burning candles or 'Bengal lights' that had been attached to champagne bottles," Pilloud stated. The rapid spread of the fire has raised questions about the flammability of materials used in the bar's renovation.
Victim Identification and International Response
The process of identifying the victims is ongoing, with authorities employing dental records and DNA samples to confirm identities. Valais police chief Frédéric Gisler reported that 113 of the injured have been identified, including nationals from Switzerland, France, Italy, and several other countries. Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais region, emphasized the priority of identifying the deceased, noting that many families are anxiously awaiting news.
Safety Concerns and Expert Insights
Fire safety experts have highlighted the potential role of untreated polyurethane foam in the rapid spread of the fire. Dr. Peter Wilkinson from Loughborough University explained that such materials can exhibit rapid flame spread and produce toxic smoke. The investigation will also assess whether the foam was treated with fire retardants, which can lose effectiveness over time.
Global Support and Medical Assistance
In response to the tragedy, international support is being coordinated, with some of the injured receiving treatment in specialized centers across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that some victims are being cared for in French hospitals. The European Union has also reached out to Swiss authorities to offer medical assistance.
What this might mean
As the investigation into the Crans-Montana fire continues, authorities may face legal challenges if negligence is found in the bar's safety measures. Potential prosecutions could arise if it is determined that safety regulations were not adequately followed. This incident may prompt a reevaluation of fire safety standards in entertainment venues across Switzerland and beyond, particularly concerning the use of decorative sparklers and flammable materials. Experts suggest that stricter regulations and regular inspections could be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
