Officials Blame Sparkler Candles for Swiss Ski Resort Fire, as First Victim Named

New Year’s Eve should have been full of laughter, cheers, and celebrations. But for visitors to the popular Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana, the start of 2026 quickly turned into a nightmare. A devastating fire at the packed Le Constellation bar left at least 40 people dead and over 100 injured, many critically.

Swiss authorities now believe the fire was caused by sparkler candles attached to champagne bottles, and the first victim has been publicly named — putting a human face to a tragedy that has shaken communities around the world.

The Night the Celebration Went Wrong

It was around 1:30 a.m. on January 1st when sparks meant to light up the night instead ignited disaster. According to investigators, the sparklers — sometimes called fountain candles — touched the flammable ceiling of the crowded bar, causing flames to spread almost instantly.

Witnesses described sheer panic: thick smoke, fire racing across the ceiling, and people struggling to find exits. Some smashed windows to escape, while others were trapped in narrow stairways. Survivors say the entire bar went from festive to terrifying in just moments.

The First Victim Named: A Young Golfer

The first victim to be publicly identified is 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who had been living in Dubai. The Italian Golf Federation called him a “passionate young athlete with an inspiring spirit”.

Emanuele’s death highlights the tragic loss of life among young people and international visitors who came to enjoy the holiday. Families worldwide are still waiting for news about other loved ones, and identification efforts are ongoing.

Witness Accounts: Chaos and Courage

People who survived the fire shared harrowing accounts: smoke so thick it was impossible to see, flames spreading rapidly, and desperate attempts to escape. Many were injured trying to break windows or navigate the bar’s narrow exits.

Hospitals in Switzerland were overwhelmed, and critically injured victims were transferred to burn units across Europe. Authorities have warned that identifying all victims could take days or weeks due to the severity of injuries.

Investigators Point to Safety Failures

While sparkler candles are believed to have triggered the fire, authorities are also examining whether the bar’s safety measures were adequate. Investigators are looking into flammable materials in the ceiling, emergency exits, and whether fire regulations were properly followed.

The bar had been inspected over the past decade, but experts are questioning if those inspections were enough, given the large crowd on New Year’s Eve. Criminal investigations are underway, and charges like negligent homicide or negligence related to fire safety could follow.

Global Mourning and Solidarity

The tragedy has affected families from Switzerland, France, Italy, and beyond. Vigils and memorials have been held at the resort, with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages left in memory of the victims.

Communities in Europe and around the world have shared in the grief. In Italy, friends and teammates of Emanuele mourned the young golfer’s death, while in Switzerland, locals and tourists alike are supporting survivors and the families of the missing.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the event as “an unprecedented tragedy”, underlining the scale of loss and collective shock.

Lessons for the Future

As investigators continue their work, safety experts are already calling for stricter regulations regarding indoor pyrotechnics and improved fire safety in bars and public venues. Sparkler candles, while festive, burn at extremely high temperatures and are dangerous in crowded, enclosed spaces with flammable materials.

The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will prevent similar disasters in the future, ensuring that celebrations remain joyful rather than deadly.

Moving Forward with Support and Solidarity

For now, communities are focusing on supporting survivors, identifying victims, and comforting grieving families. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn dangerous and how vital fire safety is in public spaces.

The memory of those lost — especially young victims like Emanuele — will remain with families, friends, and communities worldwide. And as investigations continue, there’s a shared hope that safety measures will improve to prevent such heartbreak in the future.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the Crans-Montana fire, please reach out to local crisis support services or community organizations for help.

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