Alpine Bar Fire Claims 41st Victim; Shutdown Drags On, Iran Dark

Death Toll Rises to 41 in Swiss Bar Fire

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – The death toll from a New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss alpine resort of Crans-Montana has risen to 41, after an 18-year-old Swiss national died in a Zurich hospital on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, also left 116 people injured, many of whom were teenagers.

The fire broke out in the basement of the crowded bar during New Year's celebrations. Prosecutors believe the cause of the fire was sparklers on champagne bottles igniting soundproof foam on the ceiling, according to Euronews. Most of the victims were young, including teenagers as young as 14.

The Associated Press reported that flower tributes have been placed at the entrance of the "Le Constellation" bar and lounge. Swiss investigators believe that sparkling candles atop wine bottles ignited the fatal bar fire, according to NPR.

The incident occurred amidst other significant global events, including an internet blackout in Iran following protests in early January, as reported by The Verge. Sarah Jeong of The Verge noted that the shutdown, "the longest blackout in Iranian history," aimed to stop the spread of information, but the protests continued despite the government's efforts.

Meanwhile, in the United States, a partial government shutdown was expected to extend into the week, with House Speaker Mike Johnson indicating that a vote on funding would take a few days, according to Fortune. The shutdown was partly due to debates over immigration enforcement operations. Fortune noted that Johnson was relying on President Donald Trump to ensure passage of a funding package.