Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Swiss Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41
A fire at a bar in Switzerland called Le Constellation killed 41 people.
The fire started when sparkling candles on top of Champagne bottles got too close to the ceiling.
The bar is in a popular ski area called Crans-Montana.
The owners of the bar, a French couple, are being investigated for not being careful enough.
The last fire safety check was in 2019.
The latest person to die was an 18-year-old Swiss person who was hurt in the fire and passed away in the hospital.
An 18-year-old Swiss national died from injuries sustained in the Le Constellation bar fire, raising the death toll to 41.
The fire was likely caused by sparkling candles on Champagne bottles igniting when they came too close to the ceiling.
Investigators are examining whether the bar's soundproofing material met regulations and if the candles were permitted.
The bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under criminal investigation for negligence.
The last fire safety inspection of the bar was in 2019.
- Who
- An 18-year-old Swiss national and 40 others
- What
- Died in a bar fire
- When
- January 1, 2024, with the latest death on Saturday
- Where
- Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- Why
- Sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fire
Bar Owners
Investigators
Fire Safety Measures
Bar Owners
The owners claim they followed all necessary safety protocols and regulations.
Investigators
Investigators are examining whether the bar's soundproofing material met regulations and if the candles were permitted.
- Location
- Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- Date of Incident
- January 1, 2024
- Time of Incident
- 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT)
- Cause of Fire
- Sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles
- Victim Count
- 41
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing
- Owners Under Investigation
- Jacques and Jessica Moretti
- Last Fire Safety Inspection
- 2019
