Fri Jan 02 15:17:17 UTC 2026: Summary:
A devastating fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a Swiss ski resort, during New Year’s celebrations, killing 40 people and injuring 119. Investigators believe the fire was ignited by sparks from Champagne bottle flares coming into contact with the bar’s ceiling. Many victims were young adults, and the severity of the burns has made identification difficult, leading to DNA testing. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity, with locals lauded for their heroic rescue efforts. Authorities have urged caution to prevent further strain on medical resources.
News Article:
Sparkler Inferno: 40 Dead, Over 100 Injured in Swiss Ski Resort Fire
CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND – January 2, 2026 – A New Year’s Eve celebration turned into a nightmare at the Le Constellation bar in the popular Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, as a deadly fire claimed the lives of 40 people and left 119 injured. Authorities believe that celebratory sparklers attached to Champagne bottles ignited the blaze when they came too close to the bar’s ceiling.
The inferno erupted early Thursday morning (January 1, 2026), trapping revelers inside the crowded bar. According to witnesses, the flames spread rapidly, causing a surge of panic as people scrambled to escape. Many of the victims were young adults in their teens and twenties.
“I have seen horror and I don’t know what else would be worse than this,” said Gianni Campolo, a 19-year-old vacationer who rushed to the scene to assist first responders.
The severity of the burns has complicated identification efforts, forcing families to provide DNA samples to authorities. The tragedy has reverberated throughout the region, prompting an outpouring of grief and support. Pope Leo sent condolences, and locals have been lauded for their heroic efforts in rescuing trapped individuals.
“We have numerous accounts of heroic actions,” said Valais regional government head Mathias Reynard. “In the first minutes it was citizens…who saved lives with their courage.”
Among the missing is Emanuele Galeppini, a promising 17-year-old Italian golfer. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that 13 Italian citizens were injured and six remain missing.
Authorities have urged visitors and residents to exercise caution in the coming days to avoid further straining the region’s already stretched medical resources. The ski resort, a prominent venue on the World Cup circuit and future site of Olympic events, is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.
First Piper 