A devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana has left dozens of young revelers critically injured

A devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana has left dozens of young revelers critically injured, with many still fighting for their lives, authorities said on Friday. The blaze at the Le Constellation bar has claimed at least 40 lives so far and injured 119 people, though officials warned the figures could rise.

Early findings suggest the fire likely began when sparkler-style party candles, attached to champagne bottles, were lifted too close to the ceiling. According to local prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud, this appears to have triggered a fast-moving and intense fire, although the exact cause has not yet been definitively confirmed. Investigators are also examining whether insulation materials in the ceiling contributed to the rapid spread of the flames and whether negligence played a role

Due to the severity of the injuries, around 50 victims have been transferred or are set to be transferred to specialized burn units in hospitals across Europe, including facilities in Germany and France. Valais regional official Mathias Reynard said many of the injured remain in critical condition

Authorities described the process of identifying the victims as slow and extremely delicate because of the extent of the burns. While 113 injured individuals have been identified, officials said it could take several days to formally identify all those who died

Those injured include Swiss nationals as well as visitors from France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Several people from Italy and France are still reported missing, prompting embassies to assist families searching for information.

Survivors recounted moments of terror as visibility vanished and exits became overcrowded. One witness said he escaped by shielding himself behind furniture and breaking a window.

The tragedy has deeply shaken the community. Mourners gathered near the cordoned-off site, lighting candles and laying flowers. Many young people expressed shock, saying they or their friends had planned to attend the same celebration, underscoring how narrowly some escaped one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history.