health
January 1, 2026
‘It happened in seconds’: sudden inferno brings horror to Swiss ski resort
New year party at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana turned into tragedy as flames shot across the ceiling
TL;DR
- A fire started in the basement bar of Le Constellation in Crans-Montana around 1:30 AM on New Year's Day.
- The fire spread rapidly due to a flashover, described as an 'embrasement généralisé' by Swiss officials.
- Initial speculation suggests the fire may have been caused by a sparkler on a champagne bottle near the ceiling or spilled shisha charcoal.
- Around 40 people died and 115 were injured in the blaze.
- Bystanders and emergency responders worked together to rescue patrons from the venue.
- Switzerland's president visited the scene, declaring five days of flags at half-mast.
- Arson or terrorism are not considered probable causes by the attorney general.
- Le Constellation was a popular bar with a young clientele, often without a cover charge.
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