What was believed to have started the deadly fire at the Swiss ski resort bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve?

A devastating fire at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve was tragically believed to have been started by sparklers on champagne bottles. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of January 1, 2026, engulfed Le Constellation bar, a venue packed with revelers ringing in the new year. Approximately 40 people lost their lives, and over 100 others sustained injuries, many of them severe burns.

Investigators quickly focused on "fountain sparklers" or "Bengal lights" that were reportedly attached to champagne bottles as the likely ignition source. Witness accounts and analysis of mobile phone footage suggested that these sparklers were held too close to the bar's ceiling, which was reportedly clad with soundproofing panels. The sparks from these celebratory devices are thought to have ignited the ceiling materials, leading to a "rapid, very rapid and widespread conflagration" that quickly consumed the crowded space.

The incident highlighted the inherent dangers of using pyrotechnics, even seemingly innocuous sparklers, in enclosed and crowded public spaces. The rapid spread of the fire, possibly exacerbated by flammable building materials, led to a chaotic scene as patrons desperately tried to escape. Swiss authorities launched a criminal investigation into the fire, examining the bar's compliance with safety regulations, the materials used in its renovation, and the adequacy of fire extinguishers and emergency exits. The tragedy prompted a national day of mourning and underscored the critical importance of stringent fire safety measures in entertainment venues.