Tragic Swiss Bar Fire Linked to Sparklers on Champagne Bottles

Fri Jan 02 2026 23:37:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A deadly fire at a ski resort bar in Switzerland has left 40 people dead, with sparklers on champagne bottles likely to blame. Authorities are investigating fire safety regulations and the bar's safety compliance.

A devastating fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 fatalities and many injuries, with authorities tracing the cause to sparklers placed too close to the ceiling on champagne bottles. This incident has sparked an investigation into the bar's safety measures and compliance with regulations.

A fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort appears to have been caused by sparklers placed on bottles of champagne that came too close to the ceiling, authorities said.

Forty people died after the blaze in the early hours of New Year's Day in Crans-Montana, while 119 were injured.

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that the investigation will focus on the materials used, the bar’s fire safety measures, its capacity, and the number of people present at the time of the fire.

Ms. Pilloud indicated that if necessary, legal action might be taken against individuals involved, promising a thorough review of fire safety practices.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing sparklers that ignited the fire quickly, as they were set on champagne bottles. Investigators are trying to determine if the bar complied with safety regulations, specifically examining whether the ceiling had proper fire safety installations.

Authorities are still working on identifying the deceased while many injured individuals remain in critical condition. Notable among the injured is 19-year-old footballer Tahirys Dos Santos, who suffered severe burns and has been transferred for specialized treatment.

A memorial ceremony is scheduled for January 9 in Crans-Montana to honor the victims, as community members continue to show support for those affected by this tragic event.