A devastating fire ravaged the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve night, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119. Among the victims are 14 French nationals, treated in Switzerland, France, Italy, and Germany. The investigation focuses on candles and Bengal lights as possible causes.
The fire broke out on New Year's Eve night in the Le Constellation bar, a popular festive spot for seasonal workers and tourists at the Crans-Montana ski station in the Valais canton. According to authorities, the provisional toll stands at 40 dead and 119 injured, a figure that could still change. Identified victims include 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbs, as well as one Bosnian, one Belgian, one Luxembourgish, one Polish, and one Portuguese; the nationality of 14 others remains undetermined.
Severely injured victims, suffering from major burns, are being treated in specialized centers in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Professor Maurice Mimoun, head of plastic surgery at Trousseau Hospital, states: “A major burn victim is one who can die,” emphasizing that vital prognosis is at risk long-term and the depth of injuries will only be known after a month. Victim identification is particularly challenging, with local solidarities emerging: residents and visitors leave flowers and candles near the site, where the smell of burnt persists.
The investigation focuses on candles and Bengal lights used during the party, potentially the cause of the blaze. Videos circulating on social media show the panic and flames, but also young people filming the scene instead of helping, a behavior criticized as prioritizing digital virality over human aid. This tragedy revives memories of past fires, like the 1970 '5-7' in Isère, which killed 146 people.
