Swiss ski resort bar fire started by sparklers, investigators say, as desperate families wait for news of dead, missing

January 2, 2026

TL;DR

The fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana was likely caused by sparklers on Champagne bottles igniting the ceiling.
Around 40 people were killed and dozens injured, with most victims being teenagers.
Authorities are working to identify the badly burned remains, a process expected to take days.
113 out of 119 injured people have been identified.
Investigators have interviewed bar managers and are examining the venue's configuration and capacity.
Video evidence suggests the fire spread rapidly upwards after igniting the ceiling.
Survivors described the sparklers hitting the ceiling and igniting the foam insulation.
There is no indication of an attack or explosion, and the investigation is ongoing.
One identified victim was 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini.
The bar was full, and many people struggled to escape through narrow exits.

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