Crans-Montana bar fire 2026

On 1 January 2026 at about 1:30 CET (local time), a deadly fire broke out at Le Constellation, an underground bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.

Smoke and flames rapidly filled the venue, trapping visitors inside. Emergency
services responded and evacuated patrons but the fire escalated before crews could fully contain it.

As of 1 February 2026, authorities report:

• 41 deaths and 116 injured people
• 83 people were treated for serious burns
• Victims included Swiss residents and foreign nationals and several young were people among the dead – the youngest being 14 years old.

[edit] Cause of the fire

Le Constellation was a two-level bar and nightclub with a basement area accessed by a set of stairs, crowded with revellers at the time of the fire.

Swiss investigators believe the fire was triggered by champagne bottle sparklers igniting acoustic foam on the basement ceiling, leading to a rapid flashover in the confined space.

Early reporting by the Swiss public broadcaster RTS claimed that the pyrotechnic “fountain” candles were held in the air during the celebrations, allowing sparks to reach the ceiling materials.

The venue’s underground layout and high occupancy made evacuation difficult. When flames and smoke spread rapidly, guests were unable to escape quickly which contributed to the high number of casualties.

[edit] Investigation

Swiss prosecutors have detained co-owner Jacques Moretti on risk-of-flight grounds and placed co-owner Jessica Moretti under house arrest, as a criminal inquiry into alleged negligent homicide and related offences continues.

Separate reports cite the mayor saying the venue had not undergone an annual fire safety inspection since 2019.

The disaster triggered scrutiny of fire safety practices, particularly the use of flammable interior materials, emergency exits and evacuation planning.

In response, some Swiss cantons (including Valais and Geneva) have since banned indoor pyrotechnics to prevent similar tragedies.

[edit] Aftermath and mourning

The Swiss Federal Council declared Friday 9 January 2026 as a day of national mourning for the victims of Crans-Montana fire.

Political leaders and governments expressed condolences, and memorials were established near the venue. The Pope also met with victims’ families privately to offer comfort.

[edit] Why does this matter to the UK?

While Swiss law differs from UK regimes, the incident highlights universal risk factors, for example:

• Ignition sources in crowded interiors, including so-called bottle sparklers;
• Combustible acoustic treatments and lining materials;
• Crowd management and exit control;
• Cross-checking with Building Regulations guidance for non-domestic buildings.

The fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana showed the potential consequences of rapid-fire growth in confined public spaces. It reinforces the need for robust fire safety design, safe interior material selection, effective means of escape, and strict operational controls during high-risk events.

Ongoing investigations and policy responses following the incident may influence future enforcement and guidance for bars, nightclubs and other assembly buildings across the world.