40 Dead in Crans-Montana Bar Fire Investigation: Negligence Suspected in New Year Tragedy
Authorities launch a criminal probe into the Crans-Montana bar fire that killed 40 people. Investigations focus on negligence and flammable materials used in the venue.
A night of celebration at an upscale Swiss ski resort turned into a horrific scene of devastation. As of January 3, 2026, prosecutors in Crans-Montana are investigating two bar operators for criminal negligence after a fire claimed the lives of 40 people during a New Year's Eve party.
The Crans-Montana Bar Fire Investigation and Criminal Allegations
Authorities in the canton of Valais confirmed that the two individuals who ran 'Le Constellation' are under investigation for offenses including homicide by negligence and arson. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans described the scene as an "enormous tragedy," noting that temperatures inside the blaze reached between 500 and 600 degrees Celsius. While the owners claim they followed all rules, the sheer scale of the disaster has sparked a demand for an independent inquiry.
Sparklers and Foam: A Lethal Combination in Subterranean Spaces
Witnesses reported seeing staff carry bottles of champagne topped with fountain candles, which may have ignited the foam material used for soundproofing the basement ceiling. The blaze spread with "rapid intensity," leaving 119 people injured and many victims burned beyond immediate recognition. Among the deceased identified is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage Italian international golfer, highlighting the young demographic affected by the tragedy.
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