A festive night turned tragic at a popular Swiss ski resort when a deadly fire erupted during a birthday celebration that authorities now say was started by sparklers.

A Thursday night fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed approximately 40 people and injured 119 others after sparklers set the ceiling ablaze during celebrations, investigators confirmed, as Just the News reports.

Four days into the new year, what began as a vibrant evening inside an upscale nightlife venue ended in horror as flames tore through the Le Constellation bar, located near the ski slopes of Crans-Montana. The inferno broke out in the bar’s basement level and quickly climbed to the upper floor, trapping dozens of patrons and leaving dozens more missing or hospitalized with burns and smoke injuries.

By Friday, Swiss police had confirmed the deaths of about 40 individuals, nearly all victims found amid the charred debris of the nightclub. Emergency responders transported 119 injured to nearby hospitals, and authorities have successfully identified 113 of them so far. Recovery teams continue to search for at least two dozen people who remain unaccounted for.

Flames Spread After Ceiling Contact

Alexander Cavalier, a 16-year-old visitor from France, described the moment the fire ignited. He said a woman climbed onto the shoulders of another guest during a birthday celebration, waving two bottles topped with burning sparklers. The celebratory moment turned deadly when the sparklers brushed against the ceiling, setting off an uncontrollable blaze.

“She waved them too high,” Cavalier said, “they hit the ceiling, and it caught fire.” Security footage appears to support this timeline. Prosecutors say video from within the club's basement shows a man attempting to smother the early flames with a white cloth. His efforts ultimately failed as the fire spread quickly upwards toward the only exit point, trapping many inside.

In a press briefing on Friday, Prosecutor-General Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that investigators believe the fire was accidental. “At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,” she emphasized, eliminating the possibility of arson or terrorism.

Officials Focus on Venue's Safety Measures

Pilloud said authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the fire’s origins, structural safety, and potential crowd-related violations. “For the time being, we don't have any suspects,” she added, but clarified that the inquiry remains active and is aimed at understanding all factors that contributed to the magnitude of the tragedy.

As part of the probe, prosecutors interviewed two managers from Le Constellation to reconstruct the internal architecture and emergency protocols in place. Questions remain about the number of people inside the venue when the fire began and whether the bar had exceeded its approved capacity.

Early findings indicate that the fire devastated the establishment within minutes, giving very little time for lucky survivors to escape. Some patrons managed to exit according to reports, but investigators stated the layout of the venue—particularly the basement-to-ground-floor trajectory—likely contributed to the high death toll.

Community Reels as Authorities Identify Victims

While first responders and local authorities continue their efforts to locate additional missing guests, families from both Switzerland and abroad wait for word on loved ones. Crans-Montana, typically bustling with holiday tourists this time of year, remains in shock as the community confronts one of the deadliest fires in the region’s recent history.

The steep terrain and mountainous location have added complexity to the recovery operation, making coordination of emergency services a challenge. International tourists, some of whom came from France, Germany, and Italy, are among those impacted. Officials are working with embassies to notify family members as identifications are completed.

Witnesses say panic spread as smoke quickly made visibility nearly impossible inside the venue, pushing people toward limited exits. Emergency lights reportedly failed, and several survivors said they had to find their way using mobile phone flashlights and intuition.

Lessons to Learn

1. Limit Indoor Use of Open Flames: Whether it's sparklers or candles, never use open flames in enclosed, crowded spaces. Even small flames can ignite ceiling tiles, fabrics, and other flammable materials in seconds.

2. Know Your Surroundings: Always take note of exits and emergency pathways when entering a venue. During a fire or emergency, quick orientation can be the key to survival.

3. Event Safety Responsibility: Party organizers and venue staff must ensure that entertainment props meet fire safety codes. While patrons expect safe environments, tragedies like this show how quickly a celebration can turn fatal. Still, it's important to remember that even when we take precautions, accidents can happen, and we should never blame victims for circumstances beyond their control.

Why This Story Matters

This devastating incident underscores the critical importance of fire safety enforcement, particularly in public venues.

With many individuals still missing and dozens hospitalized, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder to communities and business owners worldwide about the dangers of neglecting indoor safety measures. Lessons learned from this case could help prevent similar disasters elsewhere.