A fire broke out in a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. According to the canton of Valais's general prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, the blaze was likely caused by the use of decorative Bengalas in champagne bottles. The main hypothesis suggests the pyrotechnic devices were placed too close to the ceiling, causing the fire to spread immediately. Local police updated the casualty toll, confirming that 119 people were injured during the incident, which occurred during New Year's celebrations at the busy ski center. Of the total number of victims, 113 have been fully identified by Swiss authorities, while the structural assessment continues to determine the criminal liability of the establishment's owners. The incident caused panic scenes among tourists celebrating the start of 2026 in one of the most exclusive areas of the Swiss Alps. The Valais prosecutor's office ordered the preventive closure of the area while evidence is collected regarding compliance with fire safety regulations, an event that has shocked European public opinion due to alleged negligence in handling flammable materials in enclosed spaces.
