Swiss Bar Fire Kills 40, Injures 100 in Crans-Montana New Year's Eve Tragedy

A fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland killed about 40 people and injured 100 others during a New Year's Eve party on January 1, 2026. The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. local time when a lit candle in a bottle allegedly set fire to the wooden ceiling, triggering a flashover that rapidly spread flames and collapsed the structure. More than 100 people were inside the bar when the explosion occurred. Swiss police confirmed 100 ambulances and 10 helicopters were deployed, with the regional hospital's ICU and operating theater reaching full capacity. Authorities ruled out arson, confirming it was an accidental fire caused by fireworks or a candle. Victims suffered severe burns, making identification difficult. The upscale ski resort is located 40 km north of the Matterhorn in the Valais canton. Canadian Embassy offered condolences while Italian officials confirmed some foreign nationals were among the victims.