Viral video shows panic and horror moments before Swiss bar blaze, 47 killed and 115 injured, flammable ceiling possibly sparked deadly fire

What began as a joyous New Year’s Eve celebration quickly devolved into one of Switzerland’s worst civilian tragedies in recent memory when a devastating fire ripped through Le Constellation, a crowded bar and nightclub in the Alpine resort town of Crans‑Montana, leaving at least 47 people dead and 115 injured, many with severe burns, officials said.

Around 1:30 am local time on January 1, the blaze erupted in the basement‑level venue, which was packed with hundreds of mostly young revelers celebrating the arrival of 2026. Within seconds, flames raced across the low ceiling and turned the space into a scene of utter chaos.

Viral videos and investigators have pointed to flammable ceiling insulation as a major factor in how quickly the fire spread.


Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as terrified crowds surged toward the only exit, a narrow staircase leading up from the basement. Many frantically tried to escape through broken windows as smoke and fire filled the confined space.


Authorities say the blaze quickly escalated into a flashover, a sudden transition to a fully engulfed fire when all flammable surfaces ignite almost simultaneously, turning the crowded venue into an inferno within moments.

Cause of fire

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have ruled out terrorism or arson. Early accounts suggest the blaze may have been triggered when celebratory sparklers or candles, attached to champagne bottles and held close to the low wooden ceiling, ignited flammable material overhead.

Flags across Switzerland have been lowered to half‑mast as the nation observes five days of mourning for the victims.

Officials have warned that identification of victims may take weeks due to the severity of injuries sustained in the blaze. A reception centre and dedicated helpline have been established to assist families seeking information.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the tragedy “unprecedented,” cancelling his traditional New Year’s message and urging unity in the face of collective grief. The full extent of the tragedy is still unfolding as authorities continue their investigation and hospitals work to care for those injured in the blaze.