Sparklers Blamed for Blaze at Swiss Alpine Resort

People gather by a makeshift memorial in front of the "Le Constellation" bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland.

Investigators in Switzerland say sparklers attached to champagne bottles were the likely trigger of the catastrophic fire that swept through a popular bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations. The blaze erupted shortly after midnight, rapidly engulfing the venue as guests rang in the new year.

Early findings suggest the sparklers—often used as festive bottle toppers—were held too close to the ceiling, igniting flammable materials and causing flames to spread with alarming speed. Videos from the night show partygoers carrying champagne bottles adorned with bright, crackling sparklers moments before the fire took hold.

Authorities are now examining the bar’s fire‑safety measures, building materials, and crowd capacity to determine whether negligence contributed to the tragedy. Officials have indicated that criminal charges may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The incident has left the upscale mountain community in shock. Vigils have been held as families and visitors mourn the victims and await updates on those injured. The fire is now considered one of the deadliest in Switzerland in recent decades.