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Tragedy in Crans Montana: Prosecution Investigates Fireworks, Renovations, and Safety Measures

Published January 2, 2026, 16:02
Tragedy in Crans Montana: Prosecution Investigates Fireworks, Renovations, and Safety Measures

A tragedy occurred in Crans Montana, Switzerland, resulting in 40 deaths and 119 injuries, of whom 113 have been identified. The fire broke out in a bar during New Year's celebrations. Authorities are investigating fireworks attached to champagne bottles as the primary cause. The investigations are also focusing on renovations that had been carried out in the bar and the safety measures in place. The process of identifying the victims is continuing intensively, while 50 injured will be transferred to hospitals in other European countries on Sunday. Of the injured, 71 are Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, 4 Serbian, 1 Bosnian, 1 Belgian, 1 Luxembourgish, 1 Polish and 1 Portuguese, while the nationality of 14 remains unknown. Flags are flying at half-mast at all Swiss embassies around the world. The prosecution has launched an investigation with the participation of around 30 people, with the absolute priority being the identification of the victims and providing support to their families.