A fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day 2026, resulted in 40 fatalities and 119 injuries. Authorities are investigating sparklers placed on champagne bottles, brought in close proximity to the ceiling, as the probable cause. The inquiry is examining various factors including building materials, fire safety protocols, and exit routes.
Incident Overview
The fire occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. The incident led to 40 deaths and 119 injuries. The blaze reportedly started in the bar's basement.
Investigation Focus and Probable Cause
Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles that came into contact with the ceiling. Ms. Pilloud noted, "Everything leads us to think that the fire started from sparkling candles — or sparklers — which were put on bottles of champagne [that were] moved too close to the ceiling. From that, a blaze began very quickly."
The investigation, led by the Valais Attorney General's office, is focusing on several factors:
- The construction materials used on the premises, particularly foam-like padding on the ceiling.
- The bar's fire safety protocols and their implementation.
- The bar's maximum capacity and the actual number of individuals present at the time of the fire.
- Compliance with existing building regulations.
- The functionality and accessibility of exit routes, including emergency exits.
Interviews have been conducted with the two French managers of the bar, as well as individuals who escaped the fire, to help establish a list of those present. Authorities aim to determine if legal prosecutions are warranted against any surviving responsible parties. Pierre-Antoine Lengen, head of the Swiss Judicial Police, emphasized the importance of accurate victim identification.
Casualties and Victim Identification
Of the 119 injured individuals, 113 have been formally identified. These include 71 Swiss citizens, 14 French, 11 Italians, and four Serbs, with others from Bosnia, Portugal, and Belgium. The formal identification process for the 40 deceased is ongoing, identified by police commander Frédéric Gisler as a priority. French footballer Tahirys Dos Santos, 19, sustained severe burns and was airlifted to Germany for treatment.
Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais region, reported that approximately 50 injured individuals have been or will be transferred to specialized burn treatment centers across Europe. A public ceremony for "national mourning" is scheduled to take place in Crans-Montana on January 9.
Building Materials and Fire Dynamics
The investigation is examining the ceiling materials, specifically foam, and their adherence to safety standards. Images and videos from the scene show foam-like padding resembling "egg box foam," a type of sound-absorbing polyurethane (PU) material. Fire safety experts indicate that untreated PU foam is highly flammable and can contribute to rapid flame spread and the production of dense, toxic smoke. Dr. Peter Wilkinson of Loughborough University noted that ignited polyurethane acoustic foam can exhibit rapid flame spread. Professor Edwin Galea of the University of Greenwich added that fire retardant treatments on PU foam may diminish over time. Swiss authorities have not confirmed the specific type of foam or its compliance.
Officials also referenced a "flashover" event, which Professor Galea described as the near-instantaneous ignition of a room when hot gases at the ceiling reach a critical temperature, significantly reducing survival chances.
Exit Routes and Safety Inspections
Exit routes from the two-level bar, which included a ground floor and a basement where the fire reportedly started, are under scrutiny. Videos show individuals attempting to extinguish flames before exiting the basement via a narrow staircase. Professor Galea indicated that staircase exits can create bottlenecks, increasing the risk of trampling. While authorities confirmed the building had multiple exits, they could not confirm if an emergency exit was accessible during the incident. Valais state councillor Stéphane Ganzer stated that the building, as a public place, was equipped with an emergency exit, though most people reportedly exited through the main entrance.
The Office Cantonal du Feu (OCF) of the Canton of Valais is responsible for fire safety inspections in Crans-Montana, with annual inspections typically required for buildings of Le Constellation's size. One of the bar's owners reportedly stated that the establishment had been inspected three times in the last decade and complied with regulations. However, other sources indicate the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years prior to the incident.
Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts
Images widely shared online depict individuals holding champagne bottles with lit sparklers above their heads amidst a crowd shortly after midnight on January 1. One image shows flames developing on the ceiling above people holding five such bottles, with another showing a person holding a sparkler-attached bottle in a position appearing closer to the ceiling. BBC Verify confirmed these images and matched them against known features of Le Constellation bar, with no evidence of AI manipulation. Other verified videos from the night show patrons filming flames with club music playing before some began moving towards an exit stairwell.
Investigators have also analyzed other videos of the venue, including one from 2024 showing sparklers attached to bottles being used inside the bar. An eyewitness, Lea Zehnder, 22, recounted hearing screams from Le Constellation while at a nearby venue and stated that her boyfriend assisted individuals with serious burns. Observations from the incident also indicated that some individuals delayed evacuation, with some filming the initial stages of the fire or attempting to extinguish flames.