> At a Glance
> – All 40 victims of the Jan. 1 Le Constellation bar blaze in Crans-Montana now identified
> – Youngest confirmed dead: a 14-year-old French teen; nine of the final 16 named were under 18
> – Two bar managers face charges of negligent homicide, bodily harm and arson
> – Why it matters: Rapidly spreading sparkler-triggered fire exposes gaps in holiday safety protocols at popular ski-resort venue
A New Year’s celebration turned to tragedy when Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alps erupted in flames minutes after 1:30 a.m., leaving 40 people dead and 116 injured in what survivors describe as an “apocalyptic” scene.
Identification of Victims
By Jan. 4, authorities in Valais canton had named the final 16 victims, bringing the full list to 40. Police released only ages and nationalities out of respect for grieving families:
- Swiss, French, Belgian, Italian and Portuguese nationals among the dead
- Nine of the last 16 identified were minors under 18
- Eighty-three injured still hospitalized as of Jan. 5
Local fire chief Captain Vocat said:
> “No one should see this. No one is ready for this.”
Criminal Investigation
Police announced on Jan. 5 that the two managers of Le Constellation had been charged. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said sparklers placed on champagne bottles were moved too close to the ceiling, igniting a fast-moving blaze.
Key allegations:
- Negligent homicide
- Negligent bodily harm
- Negligent arson
A co-owner previously told CNN that “everything was done according to the rules.”
Legal Drinking Age Context
Swiss alcohol laws in brief:
- Beer/wine: legal at 16+
- Spirits: 18+
- After 22:00, under-16s may enter bars if accompanied by a guardian or approved adult
| Age Group | Alcohol Allowed | After-Hours Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | None | With guardian |
| 16-17 | Beer/wine | Permitted |
| 18+ | All types | Permitted |
Survivor Accounts
Danielo Janjic, 20:
> “I’ll be scarred for life” after escaping the fire
Andrea Costanzo, whose 16-year-old daughter Chiara died:
> “The pain now is greater than the thirst for justice. I don’t even know if it will ever come. Now I just feel a great emptiness.”
Costanzo told Corriere della Sera that Chiara had ended up at Le Constellation only because other venues were full.
Key Takeaways
- Investigators blame sparklers-on-bottles placed near ceiling for ultra-rapid fire spread
- Teenagers as young as 14 were among patrons during the New Year’s event
- Criminal case centers on alleged negligence by bar managers
- Community mourns as first responders and survivors recount chaotic, smoke-filled minutes
The resort town of Crans-Montana continues to hold vigils, with mourners lighting candles outside the charred remains of the once-popular après-ski bar.
