How many people were killed in the New Year's Eve bar fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland?

On New Year's Eve 2026, a devastating fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. The initial reports indicated that approximately 40 people lost their lives in the tragic incident. This figure was widely reported in the immediate aftermath of the blaze. However, the death toll later tragically rose to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national, who had been severely injured, succumbed to their burns in the hospital on January 31, 2026.

The fire, which occurred during New Year's celebrations, is believed to have been sparked by pyrotechnic devices, specifically sparklers attached to champagne bottles, igniting highly flammable acoustic foam on the bar's ceiling. The rapidly spreading flames and smoke led to a chaotic scene, with many victims, predominantly young people aged 14 to 39, suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation. Over 100 others were injured, overwhelming local intensive care units and necessitating transfers to hospitals across Switzerland and in other European countries.

This catastrophic event prompted a national day of mourning in Switzerland and led to a comprehensive criminal investigation. Authorities are probing the bar's owners and municipal officials on suspicion of negligence, including charges of negligent manslaughter and arson. Concerns have been raised regarding fire safety deficiencies at the venue, with reports indicating that the bar had not undergone official fire safety inspections since 2019. The Crans-Montana fire stands as one of Switzerland's most significant mass casualty incidents in recent history, highlighting the critical importance of stringent safety regulations in public spaces.