In a press conference on Friday afternoon, Swiss authorities put the number of deaths caused by the fire that occurred at the New Year’s Eve party at the “Le Constellation” bar at 40.
In addition, 119 people were seriously injured. Of these living people, 113 have been formally identified. Almost three-quarters are Swiss (71), followed by 14 French, 11 Italian and four Serbian, according to the police.
The investigation continues to determine the cause of what Swiss President Guy Parmelin has called “one of the worst tragedies in Switzerland.”
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An investigation has been opened to clarify the circumstances of the tragedy that occurred around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
According to the first elements and testimonies collected, the fire would have caused an explosion and a widespread fire in the premises. Pyrotechnic candles could be at the origin of the deadly accident.
“An investigation was opened to clarify the circumstances of this fire. All leads are explored and none are abandoned. Of the hypotheses, some are confirmed today. Everything suggests that the fire started from incandescent candles or sparklers that were placed in the mouths of champagne bottles, located very close to the ceiling which would have caused a very rapid and general fire,” said Béatrice Pilloud, Attorney General of Valais, at the conference this Friday.
To arrive at those initial results, there are videos that have been obtained and analyzed and people whose testimonies have been heard, among the auditions that are currently being held, Pilloud said in the meeting with the press that took place in Sion.
