Tragedy at Crans-Montana: Death Toll from Bar Fire Rises to 41

The death toll from the New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has risen to 41 following the death of an 18-year-old Swiss national on January 31, 2026. This incident, one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history, occurred shortly after midnight on January 1, when a fire broke out in the packed basement of the bar, which was filled with revelers celebrating the New Year.

Death toll from Crans-Montana New Year's Eve bar fire rises to 41

Investigators believe the fire was ignited when sparklers attached to champagne bottles came into contact with soundproofing foam on the ceiling. The bar had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019, raising concerns about compliance with safety regulations. The fire resulted in severe injuries to 116 individuals, many of whom remain hospitalized with critical burns.

Swiss bar inferno death toll rises to 41 after teen, 18, dies one month after tragedy

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation against the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on charges of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. Jacques Moretti was initially detained but was released on bail on January 23. Additionally, investigations are being conducted into the municipality's head of public safety and a former fire safety officer for their roles in the incident.

Teenager’s death one month after Swiss bar fire takes toll to 41Number killed in Swiss bar fire rises to 41 after teen dies from injuriesSwiss bar fire claims 41st victim as teenager dies in hospital a month onDeath toll from Swiss New Year Alpine bar fire increases to 41

The tragedy has sparked significant public outcry, with hundreds of demonstrators marching in Lutry, near Lausanne, on January 31, demanding "justice and truth." Many of the victims were teenagers, and the community is grappling with profound grief and anger over the circumstances that led to the fire. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, who lost her son in the blaze, expressed the collective demand for accountability, stating, "Today, we are just asking for justice and truth and afterwards we will mourn."

Death toll of Swiss New Year bar blaze rises to 41

The fire has strained relations with neighboring Italy, which lost several nationals in the incident. Italian authorities have protested the release of the bar's owner on bail and have requested access to evidence gathered during the investigation. The tragedy has prompted a nationwide reevaluation of safety regulations in nightlife venues, with many establishments undergoing urgent upgrades to prevent similar incidents.

Death toll from Swiss New Year Alpine bar fire increases to 41

As of the latest reports, 44 patients are being treated in hospitals abroad, including 18 in France, 12 in Italy, eight in Germany, and six in Belgium. In Switzerland, 37 patients remain hospitalized, with some in intensive care. The ongoing treatment and rehabilitation of survivors highlight the long-lasting impact of this disaster on the community.

Swiss teenager 41st victim of Alpine bar fire

• “We will go to the end,” — Vincianne Stucky, mother of a victim

Death toll from Swiss bar fire rises to 41 as protesters demand 'justice'

• “When you go through a tragedy in which 40 people – 40 children, 40 teens – have gone and another 100 are in rehabilitation or intensive care, there are obviously questions to be asked,” — Alexandre Fleury, father of a hospitalized survivor

Death toll from Swiss bar fire rises to 41 as protesters demand 'justice'

• “Today, we are just asking for justice and truth and afterwards we will mourn,” — Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, mother of a victim

Death toll of Swiss New Year bar blaze rises to 41

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in public venues, particularly those frequented by young people. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and accountability for the lives lost in this devastating fire.

Alpine Tragedy: Death Toll Hits 41 in Swiss Bar Inferno