Overview
- Authorities report provisional casualty figures, with early official counts of at least 10 dead and 10 injured as multiple outlets cite a far higher toll of about 40 dead and 100 injured.
- The blast and fast‑moving fire began around 1:30 a.m. in the semibasement of Le Constellation bar during New Year festivities, where more than 100 people were present.
- Prosecutors and police are examining accidental scenarios including fireworks or petards set off indoors and candles on champagne bottles igniting a wooden ceiling.
- Emergency operations continue with ambulances and air rescue deployed, a police family help line activated, and consular teams—including Italy’s—assisting relatives and checking on nationals.
- Witnesses describe chaotic scenes with burned and bloodied patrons, accounts of a small exit and a smashed window used for escape, and hospitals treating numerous severe burn injuries.