The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana was enveloped in profound sorrow following a devastating New Year's Eve inferno at Le Constellation bar, an event that left at least 47 clubbers dead and another 119 injured, 80 of them critically. The true horror of the conflagration, which tore through the bar just after midnight on January 1, became starkly clear as videos and photos emerged, showing the terrifying speed at which flames consumed the venue. The resort's usual holiday atmosphere was obliterated, with ski runs closed and most establishments shuttered as a mark of respect, even as other nearby ski centers continued their operations, highlighting the complex relationship between tourism and tragedy in the region, as noted by Bruno Huggler, head of tourism for Valais.

The catastrophic blaze is believed to have originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited highly flammable soundproofing foam covering the low-slung ceiling of Le Constellation. Footage from inside the nightclub revealed flames rapidly rippling across this foam padding, quickly spreading around the room. Initially, many young revellers were oblivious to the impending danger, continuing to party even as the fire took hold. This flashover event, where extreme heat caused everything in the enclosed space to ignite almost at once, left people with little chance to flee.

Former firefighter commander Steve Dudney, who served for 31 years, claimed that the insulation foam used in Le Constellation was "essentially the same" as the polyurethane (PU) foam found in Grenfell Tower, which contributed to the rapid spread of the 2017 fire that killed 72 residents. Dudney described PU as a highly flammable organic hydrocarbon, stating that very little heat is needed to ignite it. He warned that when set alight, the foam melts quickly, turning into "liquid fire" that rains burning droplets around, sustaining combustion even in its liquid state. While the insulation behind Grenfell's cladding was primarily PIR foam (a similar but more fire-resistant material), its role in producing toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide upon burning was also highlighted, raising concerns about the materials in the Swiss bar.

The human cost of the tragedy was immense. Desperate families prayed for news, with many facing the grim reality that their loved ones were likely among the deceased. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, 42, desperately searched for her 16-year-old son, Arthur, who had sent her a "Happy New Year, mum" message from the bar at midnight. Of the eleven school friends at his table, only one was found. Similarly, 15-year-old British-educated schoolgirl Charlotte Niddam was confirmed missing. Identifying the more than 40 bodies proved a torturous task due to severe burns, causing a prolonged wait for families seeking closure.

Amidst the horror, acts of extraordinary heroism emerged. Paolo Campolo, a 55-year-old Swiss-Italian financial analyst, rushed to the scene after his daughter, waiting to enter the bar, called him distraught, reporting that her boyfriend and friends were trapped. With the main entrance blocked, Campolo identified a side door and, working with another man, forced it open, allowing panicked revellers to escape the smoke-filled building. He recalled pulling out injured youngsters, many burned but conscious, begging for help. French economics student Ferdinand Du Beaudiez, 19, also showed immense bravery, escaping but then returning twice to save his brother and girlfriend, witnessing firsthand the inferno's devastating effect.

Swiss prosecutors, led by Valais attorney general Beatrice Pilloud, launched a thorough investigation into the incident. The inquiry focuses on the materials used, particularly the ceiling foam, as well as the functionality of emergency exits, the availability of fire extinguishers, and the bar's occupancy levels. Pilloud stated that while it is unclear if criminal charges will be filed, an investigation for negligent homicide is possible. The bar owners, French couple Jacques Moretti, 49, and Jessica Moretti, 40, who was inside the bar and suffered burns, broke their silence, claiming all safety regulations had been followed. They stated the club had been inspected three times in the past ten years and are cooperating fully with authorities, despite facing intense scrutiny and potential manslaughter charges.