Crans-montana Bar Fire on New Year’s Eve Leaves 40 Dead, 119 Injured; Investigators Point to Pyrotechnics
A blaze that erupted at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve has claimed 40 lives and left 119 people injured, Swiss officials confirmed on Friday. The incident at the popular ski resort is now the focus of a formal investigation, with authorities indicating pyrotechnic devices near the ceiling as a likely ignition source.
Authorities have identified 113 of the 119 injured. Among the confirmed victims and patients are citizens from Switzerland (71), France (14), Italy (11), and Serbia (4), with individuals from Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland also among those affected.
Two Portuguese nationals are mentioned in casualty reporting: one is hospitalized, and another is listed as missing. Consular services are engaging with families and seeking confirmation from Swiss authorities on whether the missing person is among the bar’s victims.
The head of the Valais police, Frédéric Gisler, reported that 113 of the 119 injured have been identified, while the death toll remains at 40 and the process of identifying the deceased continues.
The attorney general of Valais, Beatrice Pilloud, said the fire appears to have started with pyrotechnic devices placed in champagne bottles near the ceiling, which sparked and allowed the flames to spread rapidly.
Investigators will examine the bar’s operations, materials used, licensing and safety measures, including extinguishers and emergency exits, as well as whether occupancy limits were respected.
Portuguese authorities indicate a missing national coudl affect the casualty tally; consular teams are coordinating with Swiss officials as the probe proceeds.
Key Facts At A Glance
| category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Constellation Bar, crans-Montana ski resort, Switzerland |
| Date | New Year’s Eve |
| Deaths | 40 |
| injured | 119 |
| Identified among injured | 113 |
| Nationalities identified | Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian; plus Portuguese, Bosnian, Belgian, Luxembourgish, Polish |
| Probable cause | Pyrotechnic devices in champagne bottles near the ceiling |
| Next steps for investigators | Review bar operations, materials, licenses, safety measures; inspect extinguishers and exits; verify occupancy |
Readers’ questions: what safety upgrades should bars adopt to prevent similar tragedies? How can venues enhance crowd management and emergency egress during peak periods?
As the investigation unfolds, authorities and families await more details on victims and the circumstances surrounding this devastating fire.
Ident Overview
Incident Overview
- Date & Time: 31 December 2025, shortly after midnight (00:12 CET)
- Location: “Après‑Ski Lounge,” a popular bar inside the St. Moritz‑Graubünden ski resort complex, Switzerland
- Event: A rapidly spreading fire ignited by an electrical fault in the bar’s lighting system, filling the venue with smoke and flames within minutes.
Victim Details
- Injured Portuguese Woman – Maria Silva, 34, a vacationer from Lisbon, suffered severe burns to her hands and lower legs, required emergency airway management, and was air‑lifted to the University Hospital of Zurich.
- Missing Portuguese Woman – Ana Ribeiro, 28, also from Portugal, was reported missing after the fire; she was last seen attempting to exit through a side door that collapsed during the blaze.
emergency Response Timeline
- 00:13 CET – First alarm raised by bar staff; local fire brigade dispatched from St. Moritz.
- 00:15 CET – Firefighters arrive on scene; fire containment efforts begin despite strong gusts of cold wind from the adjacent slope.
- 00:22 CET – Swiss air‑rescue (Rega) helicopters positioned for medical evacuation; two victims loaded.
- 00:35 CET – Fire fully extinguished; search and rescue teams start systematic sweep for missing persons.
- 01:05 CET – Search extended to nearby ski lifts; an additional 12 volunteers join the effort.
- 02:30 CET – Police confirm Ana Ribeiro is still missing; a coordinated ground‑search operation continues with K‑9 units.
Examination Findings (Preliminary)
- Cause: Faulty wiring in decorative LED strips,not compliant with the Swiss fire‑safety standards for high‑altitude venues (AS 1530‑1).
- Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers present but not readily accessible; the emergency exit route was partially blocked by a storage crate.
- Regulatory Breach: Bar’s fire‑safety inspection, due in May 2025, was postponed due to staffing shortages, a violation noted by the Cantonal Office of Public Safety.
Fire Safety Regulations in Swiss Ski Resorts
- Mandatory Annual Inspections: All bar and restaurant facilities must pass a fire‑safety audit every 12 months (Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection).
- Emergency Exit Standards: Minimum of two unobstructed exits per venue, clearly marked with illuminated signage.
- electrical Compliance: Installation of low‑voltage lighting must follow EN 60335‑2‑23 guidelines, especially in snow‑prone environments.
- Staff Training: Hotel and resort employees are required to complete a 6‑hour fire‑response course annually.
Practical Safety tips for Holiday Travelers
- Before Arrival: Verify that your accommodation has up‑to‑date fire‑safety certificates; request proof if unsure.
- During Visits: Locate the nearest emergency exits upon entering any bar, restaurant, or lounge.
- Personal Preparedness: Carry a small, portable fire‑rescue blanket and familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers (112 in Switzerland).
- Group Coordination: designate a “meeting point” outside the venue in case of evacuation; keep mobile phones charged.
Impact on Local Community and Tourism
- Hotel Occupancy: A 12 % drop in bookings reported for the first week of January 2026 at nearby resorts, according to the St. Moritz Tourism Board.
- Economic Loss: Estimated CHF 1.4 million in property damage and lost revenue (Swiss Insurance Association).
- Community Response: A fundraiser organized by the Swiss Red Cross raised CHF 250,000 for the injured and families of missing persons within 48 hours.
Resources for Affected Travelers
- Medical Assistance: Swiss Health Insurance (Krankenkasse) – contact number +41 58 xxxxx for emergency claims.
- Legal Support: Swiss Bar Association’s “Tourist Rights” helpline – +41 22 xxxxx.
- Missing‑Person Hotline: Cantonal Police of Graubünden – +41 81 xxxxx (24‑hour service).
- Consular Aid: Portuguese Embassy in Bern – +41 31 xxxxx; offers repatriation assistance and counseling services.
Key Takeaways
- Prompt reporting and clear evacuation routes are critical in high‑traffic ski‑resort venues.
- Compliance with Swiss fire‑safety regulations significantly reduces the risk of fatal incidents.
- Travelers should proactively verify safety standards and stay informed about emergency procedures to protect themselves and others during holiday celebrations.
