Mourners lay flowers and candles near the Le Constellation bar Maxime Schmid/Getty Images
New Years Day Swiss Fire
JANUARY 31, 2026
A tragic fire tore through a popular bar in the Swiss Ski Town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Celebrations, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 100 others. The fire broke out in the crowded basement nightclub called “Le Constellation” around 1:30 a.m. while people participated in New Years festivities.
Swiss authorities believe the blaze started when sparkler candles attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, which was lined with a highly flammable material. Within seconds, the fire spread through the low ceiling, trapping bar guests inside.
Junior Lana Lugo said, “I can’t believe such an intense fire started from sparkler candles. I definitely think there should be more precautions regarding the availability of sparklers in urban spaces.”
Many of the victims were teenagers and young adults. Officials used DNA and dental recount to identify the victims because of the severity of the burns.
Swiss prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into when the bar’s owners and local authorities failed to follow fire safety rules. Prosecutors also found that the bar had not been inspected for several years before the fire.
Senior Nikita Shah said, “My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I don’t think it’s entirely anyone’s fault, but I definitely do think cities should take a greater role in protecting their citizens from such tragedies, especially when it comes to regular inspections.”
A national day of mourning was held in Switzerland to honor the victims of the devastating fire. President Guy Parmelin expressed sympathy for those lost in the tragedy. In a public statement, Parmelin said the fire was “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced" and a "calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions.”
For young people across Switzerland and beyond, this fire serves as a reminder that safety protocols in social spaces are not optional. As calls for reform grow louder, students and citizens are urging politicians and officials to ensure celebrations never come at the cost of human life.
