A tragic fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland, on January 1, 2026, at 01:26 CET, during New Year's celebrations. The inferno resulted in a devastating loss of 40 lives and left 116 people injured, 83 of whom suffered severe burns. Swiss authorities believe the fire was likely sparked when lit sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the bar's ceiling, igniting acoustic foam or other soundproofing materials. In response to the tragedy, Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound closeness to the victims and their loved ones from as early as January 2, 2026, offering prayers for those affected. He further extended his solidarity by granting a private audience at the Vatican to approximately twenty relatives of the fire victims on January 15, 2026, offering words of consolation and encouragement. The Pope conveyed his deep sorrow and emphasized the importance of hope in such moments of immense suffering. Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation against the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti was subsequently detained. The ongoing inquiry also scrutinizes the bar's compliance with safety regulations, particularly concerning fire safety inspections, which reportedly had not occurred since 2019. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of immediate autopsies for all victims and allegations of minors being allowed into the venue. The international nature of the tragedy is underscored by the diverse nationalities among the victims, including Swiss, Italian, French, Portuguese, Belgian, Romanian, and Turkish citizens.