At least 41 people lost their lives when a fire ravaged the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2026. The victims were mostly teenagers, with most of them between the ages of 14 and 24. Among those who perished were eight French nationals, six Italian teenagers, one Belgian, one Portuguese, one Romanian, and one Turkish national.
In a tragic turn of events, an 18-year-old Swiss teenager has succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Zurich on January 31, bringing the death toll to 41. The public prosecutor's office in Wallis canton released a brief statement confirming the news but declined to provide further information at this time.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with officials suggesting that it may have been sparked when people raised champagne bottles with sparklers attached too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. Four individuals are currently under criminal investigation, including the co-owners of the bar and a former Crans-Montana fire safety officer.
In the aftermath of the disaster, many seriously wounded patients were airlifted to hospitals in Switzerland and other European countries for treatment. The situation is constantly evolving, with patients being moved between hospitals as their conditions change and some being readmitted to care. Currently, 37 patients remain in Swiss hospitals while 44 are receiving treatment abroad.
The international community has rallied around the victims' families, offering support and condolences. As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine the exact cause of the fire and those responsible for the tragedy.
In a tragic turn of events, an 18-year-old Swiss teenager has succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Zurich on January 31, bringing the death toll to 41. The public prosecutor's office in Wallis canton released a brief statement confirming the news but declined to provide further information at this time.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with officials suggesting that it may have been sparked when people raised champagne bottles with sparklers attached too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. Four individuals are currently under criminal investigation, including the co-owners of the bar and a former Crans-Montana fire safety officer.
In the aftermath of the disaster, many seriously wounded patients were airlifted to hospitals in Switzerland and other European countries for treatment. The situation is constantly evolving, with patients being moved between hospitals as their conditions change and some being readmitted to care. Currently, 37 patients remain in Swiss hospitals while 44 are receiving treatment abroad.
The international community has rallied around the victims' families, offering support and condolences. As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine the exact cause of the fire and those responsible for the tragedy.
this is just horrific... how can something like this happen in a place meant for celebration? 41 young lives lost... it's devastating. 
the fact that some were celebrating New Year's with sparklers on champagne bottles makes me so sad... it's just one of those preventable accidents that happened because of reckless behavior. 
the investigation is probably going to reveal some serious negligence or carelessness, but I'm sure everyone involved will be held accountable for their actions. 
! 41 people losing their lives in a single incident is just... I don't even know what to say. The fact that most of the victims were teenagers is just devastating 
. I hope they catch whoever is responsible for this and make sure they face justice.
. It's great that the international community is rallying around the victims' families, though - it really makes a difference in those tough times 
.
this is just heartbreaking! how can a party go so wrong? and the age range of the victims is just devastating 
! On a more serious note, 41 lives lost is just devastating. I mean, what were the co-owners of that bar thinking?! It's not like they didn't know fire safety 101 
. I hope justice is served and those responsible get what's coming to them. And to all the families affected, I'm sending you all my thoughts and condolences 
. The fact that it happened during New Year's celebrations just adds to the tragedy... RIP to all those who lost their lives 
Anyways, my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims - this tragedy will never be forgotten 