Sparklers and Flammable Ceiling Material Linked to Deadly Fire at Swiss Ski-Resort Bar

A fast-spreading fire at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort killed at least 40 people and injured 119 others, Swiss officials said. The blaze broke out around 1:30am local time while guests were celebrating the start of 2026. Police officers were on scene by 1:32am, witnesses said.

Valais attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said investigators believe the fire began when sparkler candles placed on champagne bottles were taken too close to the ceiling, triggering a flashover that made the blaze explode rapidly. Pilloud warned against speculation about foam on the ceiling and said the probe will determine whether any sound‑deadening material was compliant and whether it caused or aided the spread of the fire.

Retired London Fire Brigade commander Steve Dudeney told Sky News that polyurethane foam used for sound‑proofing is highly flammable, can break apart and drip burning fragments, and would allow a fire to spread very quickly. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of people surging up a staircase, smashing windows and trying to escape.

Many victims were young; some emerged with hair or clothing burned off. Authorities said identifying the dead has been difficult because of the severity of burns. Dental and DNA records are being used, and police are working with several foreign governments as part of the identification process.

Key Topics

Le Constellation, Crans-montana, Beatrice Pilloud, Sparkler Candles, Polyurethane Foam, Flashover