New video shows fire spreading at bar in Swiss ski resort, with guests failing to react. At least 40 people died

 

New video shows fire spreading at bar in Swiss ski resort, with guests failing to react. At least 40 people died pic.twitter.com/yyNGJapfSB

— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 2, 2026

The X post from @BNODesk

 shares a video capturing the moment a deadly fire broke out in the basement nightclub of Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during a crowded New Year's Eve party on January 1, 2026.Key Details of the IncidentThe fire started around 1:30 AM local time when sparklers (fountain-style fireworks attached to champagne bottles) were held too close to the ceiling, igniting flammable acoustic foam insulation.

This triggered a rapid flashover, causing flames to spread almost instantly across the low-ceilinged basement.

In the video (under purple/magenta party lighting), revelers are seen dancing and filming the growing flames on their phones instead of immediately evacuating—many appear stunned or continue celebrating briefly as someone tries to swat at the fire with clothing.

The blaze quickly engulfed the venue, leading to panic, a crush at the narrow staircase (the main/only practical exit from the basement), and thick smoke inhalation.

Casualties and ResponseApproximately 40 people died, with 115–119 injured (many severely burned or with smoke inhalation; victims were mostly young, aged 16–26, including tourists from Italy, France, and elsewhere).

Emergency services deployed massively: 150 personnel, helicopters, and ambulances. Switzerland declared five days of national mourning.

Investigations (led by Valais prosecutors) rule out arson or terrorism; focus is on the sparklers, ceiling materials, exit capacity, and venue safety compliance.

Public Reaction on XReplies to the post highlight shock at people's delayed reaction—many criticize it as a sign of modern society's obsession with recording events on phones over self-preservation (e.g., "this generation is cooked," references to memes of people filming disasters).

Others note the tragedy's resemblance to past nightclub fires (like The Station in 2003, also sparked by pyrotechnics igniting foam).This incident is one of Switzerland's worst indoor fire disasters in recent history, underscoring risks of indoor sparklers and flammable soundproofing in crowded venues.