A woman places a candle outside the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana after the deadly fire in southwestern Switzerland. Photo: ReutersScrutiny is intensifying over safety arrangements at a Swiss bar that burst into flames during a New Year's Eve party, killing at least 40. Witnesses reported seeing staff at the Le Constellation bar carrying so-called fountain candles atop bottles of champagne, and questions have also arisen about a foam material used to soundproof the ceiling of the basement where revellers danced. Local residents said the bar was popular with young people and the Swiss government said many of the dead were likely youths. One of them, Ashley Hauri, 23, said just before the fire broke out she had been on the verge of going to Le Constellation to catch up with friends.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 03, 2026 11:12 UTC