119 Injured in Crans-Montana Bar Fire, Victims from Nine Countries

International Tragedy Strikes Swiss Ski Resort

A devastating New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left 119 people injured, with victims coming from at least nine different countries. The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, has shocked the international community and raised serious questions about fire safety in Alpine resorts.

Multinational Casualty List Emerges

Swiss authorities have confirmed that the 119 injured victims represent a truly international tragedy. The majority come from Switzerland, France, Italy, and Serbia, but the casualty list also includes citizens from Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Poland, and Portugal. The nationalities of fourteen victims remain unknown as identification efforts continue.

Prosecutor-General Beatrice Pilloud stated during a press conference: 'Further investigation will determine whether people can be held criminally liable. Our current focus is on identifying the victims.' The identification process has proven particularly challenging, with many victims suffering severe burns that have destroyed personal documents and identification.

Champagne Bottle Sparklers Suspected as Cause

Investigators have revealed that the fire likely started when 'sparkling fountains' or party candles on champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling. According to the Swiss Public Prosecutor's Office, video evidence and witness statements suggest these flaming sparklers ignited the wooden ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the bar.

Witnesses described waitresses arriving with champagne bottles topped with burning sparklers as part of the New Year's celebration. One account mentioned a bartender lifting another bartender on his shoulders while holding a lit candle in a bottle. The fire reportedly engulfed the nightclub within seconds, trapping revelers who struggled to escape through narrow exits.

Critical Condition for Majority of Injured

The situation remains dire for most of the injured victims. Authorities have confirmed that the overwhelming majority of the 119 injured are in life-threatening condition, with many suffering severe burns. Over the coming days, fifty victims will be transported to specialized burn centers in neighboring countries for treatment, as Swiss hospitals have reached capacity.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the tragedy 'a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions' and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for five days. The incident represents one of the worst tragedies in Switzerland's modern history, comparable only to major natural disasters.

International Response and Investigation

European countries have mobilized to assist with the crisis. France, Italy, and Poland have offered medical assistance and support, while air ambulances have been transporting victims to specialized facilities across Switzerland and neighboring nations. The bar had a capacity of approximately 340 people, though the exact number of people present during the fire may never be determined.

The investigation continues to examine whether proper safety standards were followed, including building alterations, emergency exits, and occupancy levels. Authorities have not ruled out a criminal investigation for negligent homicide, though initial findings suggest the fire was accidental rather than an attack.

As the community of Crans-Montana mourns, a public ceremony has been planned for January 9th to commemorate the victims. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about fire safety regulations in entertainment venues across Europe, particularly in Alpine resorts where wooden construction and crowded conditions can create dangerous situations.