An ‘Avoidable Tragedy’: The Hazards That Led to the Swiss Fire Disaster

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Ségolène Le Stradic, Pranav Baskar, Aurelien Breeden, Michael Schwirtz and Samuel GranadosJanuary 3, 2026 at 05:22 PM

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long article 7 min

A fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day killed at least 40 people. Experts suggest the fire was likely exacerbated by safety flaws, including flammable ceiling foam, a crowded basement, and a narrow staircase exit. The fire may have started when sparklers ignited the ceiling. Witnesses described a chaotic escape as the staircase became a bottleneck, though a second emergency exit was reported by officials. Police have opened an investigation into the bar's two managers for potential negligent homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Beatrice Pilloud 40% Crans-Montana 50% Le Constellation ×260% Switzerland ×480%

Keywords

fire disaster 90% avoidable tragedy 80% sparklers 70% fire safety 70% safety lapses 70% flammable materials 60% negligence 60% narrow exit 60% crowded venues 50% building design 50%