Swiss investigators examine how a packed New Year’s Eve celebration at a basement nightclub in Crans-Montana turned into a deadly fire that killed dozens

What began as a packed New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana ended in catastrophe when a fire tore through Le Constellation, a basement nightclub in the town centre.

By mid-day on January 1, authorities confirmed at least 47 people had died and more than 100 were injured, many with serious burns.

The mood in the Alpine resort shifted almost instantly from celebration to shock.

Early Focus on Safety Concerns

As investigators work to understand how the fire spread so quickly, attention has turned to the club’s safety record.

Le Constellation had previously been rated just 6.5 out of 10 for safety on a public review platform.

Inside, the décor reportedly included extensive wood panelling and foam-style ceiling material, while escape options were limited to a single, narrow staircase leading up from the basement.

How the Fire Is Believed to Have Started

Witnesses say the blaze may have begun during a champagne service shortly after 1.30am, when sparklers were being used in the crowded bar.

Several people described flames reaching the ceiling within moments.

Investigators believe the conditions led to a “flashover,” a sudden escalation in which heat causes nearly all combustible surfaces in a confined space to ignite at once, leaving little time for people to react.

Panic Underground

Video footage circulating online shows flames racing across the ceiling as music continued to play for a few seconds, before panic took hold.

Survivors later described confusion, thick smoke, and a rush toward the stairs as people tried to get out.

With only one exit route, the escape quickly became chaotic.

The Owners and the Night in Question

The club is owned by a French couple, aged 49 and 40, who have lived in the valley for nearly a decade and run several venues in the area.

The woman was inside Le Constellation when the fire broke out and suffered injuries to her arm; her partner was elsewhere at the time.

Both were said to be deeply shaken by what happened.

International Impact and Missing Persons

Crans-Montana attracts visitors from across Europe, and the tragedy has had international repercussions.

Italian authorities reported that several Italian nationals were missing, while others were being treated in Swiss hospitals.

France confirmed that two of its citizens were injured. Officials stressed that identifying victims would take time, given the scale of the disaster.

Emergency Response on a Massive Scale

Within minutes of the first emergency call at 1.31am, firefighters, police, and medical teams flooded the area.

More than 40 ambulances and around 10 helicopters were deployed, transferring the injured to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich.

By morning, hospitals in western Switzerland said intensive care units were under severe pressure.

Officials Rule Out an Attack

Authorities have been clear on one point: this was not an act of terrorism.

Valais canton attorney general Béatrice Pilloud said it was far too early to determine the precise cause of the fire, but there was “no question of any kind of attack.”

Experts have not yet been able to safely enter the wreckage to begin a full forensic examination.

Voices From the Scene

Residents and tourists alike spoke of sirens through the night and helicopters overhead until dawn.

Neighbours described stepping outside to see smoke hanging in the air and streets filled with stunned onlookers.

Many said Le Constellation was known as a popular spot for younger crowds, which has deepened fears about the age of some of the victims.

A Resort Town in Mourning

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the disaster “a moment of joy turned into a tragedy” and cancelled his traditional New Year’s Day address.

Messages of support arrived from across Europe, including from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Locally, counselling centres and helplines have been set up as the town braces for days of mourning.

What Happens Next

Investigators say it could take several days to formally identify all of the victims.

The area around the club remains sealed off, with a temporary no-fly zone in place.

As families wait for answers, authorities have appealed for patience and for the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.

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