Tragic Death Toll Rises to 41 Following Swiss Ski Bar Fire

A devastating tragedy has unfolded in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana as a teenager injured in a New Year’s Eve bar fire succumbed to his injuries, bringing the total death toll from the blaze to 41. The Wallis canton’s public prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday, revealing that the 18-year-old Swiss national passed away at a hospital in Zurich on January 31, 2026. The tragic incident began in the early hours of January 1, when the fire broke out at Le Constellation bar during the New Year celebrations. Initial investigations suggest that the blaze was ignited when revelers raised champagne bottles adorned with sparklers too close to the sound insulation foam lining the ceiling of the bar's basement. Among those who lost their lives in the fire were predominantly teenagers, with victims ranging from ages 14 to 39; only four of them were over 24 years old. The victims included 23 Swiss nationals, one French-Swiss dual citizen, and numerous foreigners, with casualties from countries such as France (including a French-British-Israeli girl), Italy (which lost six teenagers, one being a dual national with the UAE), as well as Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. In addition to the fatalities, 115 individuals sustained injuries, many of whom remain hospitalized in various medical facilities across Switzerland and four neighboring countries. As of the latest report, 44 patients are receiving treatment abroad—18 in France, 12 in Italy, eight in Germany, and six in Belgium. The Wallis health ministry reported that 37 patients were still in Swiss hospitals, with many requiring specialized care in intensive care units and burns units. The aftermath of the fire has led to a criminal investigation, with four individuals currently under scrutiny: the bar’s co-owners, the municipality’s head of public safety in Crans-Montana, and a former fire safety officer associated with the resort. As the investigation unfolds, public prosecutors continue to gather evidence and have not released additional details at this stage. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing patient transfers between hospitals and some needing re-admittance for further treatment. The community of Crans-Montana and the entire nation mourn the loss of so many young lives in this horrific incident, and thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2