New Year's Eve blaze at Le Constellation likely started by champagne sparklers, killing 40
A New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana killed 40 and injured 116; champagne sparklers likely ignited foam soundproofing; inspections lapsed since 2019.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/Le-Constellation-ski-resort-fire-010226-4b44abe1e7d1480da09beaebd3f4be9a.jpg)
PeopleSwiss Bar Where New Year’s Blaze Killed 40 Lapsed in Fire Safety Inspections for Years
Epoch TimesSwiss Ski Resort Bar Where 40 Died in Fire Had No Safety Inspection Since 2019, Mayor Says
Epoch TimesSwiss Ski Resort Bar Where 40 Died in Fire Had No Safety Inspection Since 2019, Mayor Says
Breitbart NewsNYE Blaze Bar Missed Annual Safety Inspection For 5 Years
Overview
Forty people died and 116 were injured—mostly aged 14–39—from multiple countries; authorities identified all victims and two bar managers are suspected in criminal proceedings.
Prosecutors and investigators say champagne sparklers likely contacted foam-clad ceiling soundproofing, igniting fast-spreading flames; exact ignition sequence and compliance of ceiling materials remain under investigation.
The blaze occurred in the basement bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, drawing attendees from several countries and prompting cross-border emergency responses.
Municipal records show fire safety inspections in 2016, 2018 and 2019 with requested modifications; no inspections occurred after 2019, raising scrutiny of local oversight practices.
Valais prosecutors opened a criminal probe; charges considered include involuntary homicide, bodily harm and causing a fire; municipality banned indoor fireworks and will hire external inspectors.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Swiss bar fire story by emphasizing systemic failures in safety inspections and regulatory oversight. They highlight the lapse in inspections since 2019 and the local authorities' accountability, using terms like "profoundly sorry" and "regret." The narrative focuses on institutional responsibility, with quotes from officials acknowledging oversight gaps, while maintaining a neutral tone towards the ongoing investigation.