Story perspectives

Nightclub Fire Claims 40 Lives, Hero Saves Ten

1/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The fire at Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve, killed 40 people and injured more than 100.
Paolo Campolo, a 55-year-old financial analyst, rushed to the scene after his daughter alerted him that her friends were trapped.
He forced open a side door, enabling at least ten youths to escape.
Campolo is hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Authorities are investigating the nightclub's owners for potential manslaughter charges.

History

Historical Context

The Cocoanut Grove fire in Boston on November 28, 1942, claimed 492 lives, making it the deadliest nightclub disaster in U.S. history. The tragedy exposed severe fire safety violations, including locked exits and flammable decorations, prompting nationwide reforms in fire codes. This incident parallels the recent Le Constellation nightclub fire, underscoring the ongoing need for stringent safety measures in public venues.

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Story summary

The fire at Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve, killed 40 people and injured more than 100.
Paolo Campolo, a 55-year-old financial analyst, rushed to the scene after his daughter alerted him that her friends were trapped.
He forced open a side door, enabling at least ten youths to escape.
Campolo is hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Authorities are investigating the nightclub's owners for potential manslaughter charges.

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