Overview
- Investigators say the fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s night at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, with a rapid flashover triggering one or more explosions.
- Authorities have ruled out a deliberate attack and are pursuing several hypotheses about what ignited the blaze.
- Severely burned survivors were flown to specialist units in Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva, with Lausanne treating 22 patients including a 16-year-old.
- Witnesses and media describe a crowded basement venue, a narrow stairway exit and possible candles or table fireworks near a wooden ceiling, which officials have not confirmed.
- Identification and safety investigations continue, while foreign ministries report injured nationals including about 15 Italians and two French citizens.