Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Swiss Bar Fire Caused by Sparklers
A big fire happened in a bar in Switzerland.
It started because sparklers on champagne bottles were too close to the ceiling, and the flames spread very quickly.
Many people were hurt, and 40 people died.
The authorities are still figuring out exactly what happened and are working to identify the victims.
Other countries like France and Italy are helping by taking care of the injured people in their hospitals.
The authorities are also very careful to make sure they identify the victims correctly.
The bar owners say they followed all the safety rules, but the investigation is still ongoing.
A fire in a bar in the Valais region of Switzerland was caused by sparklers on champagne bottles placed too close to the ceiling.
The fire resulted in 40 deaths and injured 119 people, with nationalities including Swiss, French, Italian, and others.
Authorities are prioritizing the identification of the victims, a complex process involving international coordination.
Around 50 injured individuals have been transferred to specialized burn centers in France and Italy for medical care.
Swiss officials have expressed gratitude for the support received from neighboring countries in managing the aftermath.
- Who
- Authorities in the Valais region, Switzerland, and international support teams
- What
- A fire in a bar caused by sparklers on champagne bottles
- When
- Early hours of Thursday, New Year's Eve
- Where
- Crans-Montana, Valais region, Switzerland
- Why
- The fire started due to sparklers on champagne bottles placed too close to the ceiling, allowing flames to spread rapidly
- Location
- Crans-Montana, Valais region, Switzerland
- Cause
- Sparklers or Bengal candles on champagne bottles near the ceiling
- Casualties
- 40 dead, 119 injured
- Nationalities of Injured
- 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, 4 Serbian, 1 Bosnian, 1 Belgian, 1 Polish, 1 Portuguese, 1 Luxembourg, 14 unknown
- Medical Support
- 50 injured transferred to specialized burn centers in France and Italy
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing, with video analysis and witness interviews
- International Support
- France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and Romania providing medical and logistical assistance
- Bar Capacity
- 300 people inside, 40 on the terrace
Sources
Switzerland bar fire: 'Sparklers on champagne bottles appear to have start fire', say Swiss authorities
Swiss ski resort fire: New Year’s Eve blaze likely caused by sparklers on champagne bottles as over 40 killed
Swiss prosecutor says ‘fountain candles’ may have started Crans-Montana fire
Swiss resort fire likely started by sparkler candles, dozens of those injured fighting for their lives
‘Fountain candle’ sparklers likely started Swiss bar fire, says prosecutor
Swiss Bar Fire: 'Champagne Sparklers' Identified as Likely Cause of New Year’s Blaze in Crans-Montana
Who Are Jessica And Jacques Moretti? French Couple Identified As Swiss Bar Owners After Deadly Swiss Ski Resort Fire In Crans-Montana
Swiss ski resort bar fire: Sparkler candles on Champagne bottles suspected to have triggered deadly New Year’s Eve blaze
Swiss Bar Fire: Blaze That Killed 40 Triggered By Champagne Sparklers Held Too Close To Ceiling
"Can't Eat, Sleep": Owners Of Swiss Bar Where Fire Killed 40 Break Silence
Swiss bar fire in Crans-Montana likely caused by champagne sparklers: Officials
Deadly Swiss Bar Fire Started From Sparklers Or Bengal Candles: Officials
Switzerland Mourns New Year Tragedy
‘I Just Want To Be by His Side’: 16-Year-Old Son Missing, Mother Clings To Hope After Deadly Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy
Swiss prosecutors place bar managers under investigation after deadly blaze
Disbelief as fire exploded inside Swiss bar: ‘We thought it was a joke’
Swiss prosecutors place pair who ran bar under investigation over deadly blaze