Le Constellation bar is split across two floors, and the fire appears to have started in the basement bar just before 1:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. Authorities said it quickly turned into a flashover, when the heat becomes so intense, everything inside a room ignites almost simultaneously.
Share this @internewscast.com
As young partygoers rang in the New Year at a packed bar in the Swiss Alps, the celebration quickly turned into a nightmare when a devastating fire tore through the basement, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119 others.
The blaze at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana has been described by Switzerland’s president as one of the country’s “worst tragedies.”

As families endure the agonizing wait for news about missing loved ones, experts are diligently working to identify the victims of the tragic fire, while authorities strive to unravel the mystery of its origins and rapid spread.

Le Constellation bar is split across two floors, and the fire appears to have started in the basement bar just before 1:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. Authorities said it quickly turned into a flashover, when the heat becomes so intense, everything inside a room ignites almost simultaneously.
Le Constellation bar is split across two floors, and the fire appears to have started in the basement bar just before 1.30 am on New Year’s Day.(AP)

During such incidents, flashover is a critical factor, often resulting in severe burns, particularly affecting the face, back, and upper limbs. These injuries are frequently compounded by serious inhalation issues caused by radiant heat and superheated gases.

Additionally, a backdraft, which is an oxygen-fueled explosion, poses the risk of causing immediate fatal burns and exposure to toxic inhalation.

Swiss officials have initiated an investigation to understand the circumstances that allowed the fire to ignite and expand so swiftly. On Friday, the two French owners of the establishment were questioned by police to aid in piecing together the events leading up to the disaster.

CNN has reached out to the owners of the bar through their businesses but is yet to receive a response.

As of Friday evening, many families and friends of the victims and those injured continue to wait for answers, while authorities remain engaged in the painstaking task of identifying the deceased.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The photo on the left is a stock image of a woman posing for a selfie; the right is the professional headshot Google Gemini generated based on the selfie.

How a Simple Photo Could Sabotage Your Job Prospects: What Employers Are Really Looking For

Australians who use AI to generate more professional headshots, cover letters or…
A testosterone cream has offered new hope for women with low libido.

Breaking Ground: Revolutionary Australian Trial Offers New Hope for Boosting Women’s Libido

In a groundbreaking Australian study, researchers are testing a testosterone cream on…
Commonwealth Bank generics today. Picture by Wayne Taylor 10th August 2025

Union Condemns CBA’s Proposal to Slash 300 Jobs, Calling It ‘Totally Unacceptable

The Commonwealth Bank is expected to cut 300 jobs, a move slammed…
Troy Maskell, 47, faced a retrial in Melbourne's Supreme Court after successfully appealing his conviction last year.

Justice Served: Melbourne Man Convicted in Retrial for Deadly Service Station Assault

A jury has once again found a man guilty of manslaughter after…

Evelyn Araluen Honored with Victoria’s Premier Literary Award for Her ‘Uncompromising’ Poetry Collection

In brief Araluen’s work, The Rot, was described as “formally bold, emotionally…
Aussie tech giant set to cut up to 2000 jobs for AI 'efficiency'

Australian Tech Leader Announces 2,000 Job Cuts in Strategic Shift Towards AI Efficiency

Australian company WiseTech Global is set to cut 2000 jobs as part…
faceless hooded hacker showing silence gesture. Hacker attack. Dangerous Hooded Hacker Breaks into Government Data Servers. Cybersecurity, computer hacker with hoodie. Hacking and malware concept.

Australian National Sentenced to 7 Years in U.S. Prison for Illicit Trade Secrets Scheme

Peter Williams, aged 39, confessed to exchanging eight vital pieces of software…

Heartbroken Parents Urgently Seek Help in Search for Missing Son, Gus Lamont

In Brief Gus was last seen by his grandmother playing at the…
Flood warnings for half of Australia

Major Flood Alerts Issued Across Wide Regions of Australia

Nearly half of Australia is under a flood watch as several states…

Concerns Mount as Australian Detainee Vanishes into Iraqi Prison Network

In brief Anthony Albanese said that should the cohort return, they “will…
'First truly global scandal': More Andrew files are coming

Unveiling a Worldwide Controversy: New Andrew Documents to be Released

The UK government has approved the release of papers related to former…
A Grumpy Baker staff member was filmed pouring cooking oil down a stormwater drain in Coogee, Sydney.

Local Bakery Employee Dismissed for Improper Disposal of Cooking Oil

A man who poured cooking oil down a stormwater drain has been…