A deadly fire broke out at a luxury nightclub in the Swiss Alps, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 120 others during a New Year’s Eve celebration.
According to Fox News, authorities believe the fire was triggered by flaming champagne bottles that were being distributed inside the crowded venue as part of the club’s celebration. The incident occurred at Le Constellation, a bar located in Crans-Montana, during a packed event welcoming the new year.
Promotional Video Shows Flaming Bottles Inside Crowded Venue
Prior to the tragedy, the nightclub reportedly shared a promotional video online showing waitresses carrying champagne bottles topped with lit sparklers through the dark, crowded space.
The footage showed the flaming bottles held dangerously close to the ceiling as staff navigated through tightly packed guests. Witnesses later told authorities they saw a bartender carrying a waitress on his shoulders while she held a champagne bottle attached to a burning sparkler.
The video was posted shortly before—or shortly after—the fire, which broke out around 1:30 a.m. Thursday in the basement-level nightclub.
Officials Say Fire Triggered ‘Flashover’ of Combustible Gases
Beatrice Pilloud, Attorney General for the canton of Valais, said in a statement that the flames caused a violent ignition of combustible gases, a phenomenon known as flashover. Flashover occurs when heat rapidly ignites flammable gases in an enclosed space, causing fire to spread almost instantaneously. Experts say this can leave occupants with little to no time to escape, especially in underground or poorly ventilated venues.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the fire and smoke made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Investigation Ongoing, No Arrests Made
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that officials are still determining whether criminal intent or negligence played a role in the deadly blaze.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators are examining safety protocols, fire prevention measures, and the use of pyrotechnic effects inside the club.
The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations across Europe about nightclub safety, fire codes, and the dangers of using open flames in crowded indoor venues.